Food takes on a whole new significance during the holidays. A meal is no longer just a meal – it’s an opportunity to celebrate, show love and generosity, reconnect with people, and come together as friends, as families, and as communities.

At Community Food Centres Canada, we harness the power of food every day to build skills, connection, and hope. We know that for someone struggling with poverty, food insecurity, or physical or mental health problems, a healthy meal served in a welcoming environment can be the first step on a path of empowerment and connection. That’s why we work with partners to increase access to healthy food in low-income communities, and to provide skills programs and education and engagement opportunities that can empower people to make real change in their lives and in their communities. Here's what we learned in 2014:

92% of people interviewed say their Community Food Centre is a source of healthy food

"It’s always a good meal, it’s healthy. For some people here it’s the only good meal they’ll have this week. I’m glad this place is here." - participant at The Local Community Food Centre

54.5% of people say their physical health has improved since they started coming to a program

"[My] high blood pressure is down. I do a lot of walking every day, and eat the right foods."

— participant at The Table Community Food Centre

70% of people say participating in programs has helped improve their mental health

"It's ... a sense of belonging and social support ... This sets an example for other communities and neighbourhoods." - participant at The Regent Park Community Food Centre

Your donation to Community Food Centres Canada for Giving Tuesday will provide so much more than a meal. Your gift will help us support partners on the ground to provide healthy meals and use those meals as an opportunity to engage community members in building better skills, better health, and better connection. You’ll also be helping us bring that work to other communities, and to provide national leadership on the food and income issues affecting low-income communities. Donate today and help us show that good food can change lives.