Its motto is “Surplus food, redirected with dignity.” A new online platform launched by a Calgary chef helps get end-of-day food surplus into the hands of those who can make the best use of it. Mise: Family Meals launched earlier this week, one day after the HungerCount 2026 report was released by Food Banks Canada. The report shows an 8.7 per cent spike in food bank visits in Canada for March 2026 over March 2025. It shows a roughly 10 per cent spike in Alberta for March 2026 over March 2025. That’s a lot of extra pressure, which Mise aims to help alleviate. “It’s really hard to come to terms with, in Canada especially, that food insecurity is such a big problem,” Mise founder Sean Burton told CTV News. “It’s tough for everybody. “If there’s anything that we can do to help, why wouldn’t we?” Through Mise, restaurants, bakeries and grocers with end-of-day food surplus can get that bounty to food banks, shelters and meal programs, free and easy. Burton says businesses list their end-of-day surplus on Mise, which is then claimed and picked up. Organizations seeking food can list their specific needs. The site is available in English and French. And the name, Burton says, is very specific. “In most kitchens I’ve worked in, and most kitchens anywhere, there’s a ritual called ‘family meal,’” Burton said in a release. “Someone cooks for the team before the doors open using leftovers that were destined for the trash. “Mise: Family Meals carries that idea past the kitchen door.” More information and a sign-up page can be found online at https://misefamilymeals.ca/. “Good food shouldn’t end up in a green bin,” the Mise website states. “Mise routes it to neighbours instead.” Calgary Food Bank CEO Melissa From says organizations like hers can’t solve food insecurity alone. “Innovative partnerships that connect surplus food with people in need are part of the solution,” From said. “At a time when food bank usage remains at record levels and many families continue to struggle with the cost of living, every effort to reduce food waste and increase access to food matters.” Rising HungerCount Food Bank Canada releases a HungerCount report every year. The reports compile data from more than 5,500 food banks and community organizations across the country. They show the cost of basic necessities has soared since 2021. Food prices have increased nearly 30 per cent, housing is up 28 per cent and transportation has risen nearly 24 per cent. The rising cost of living has driven more employed Canadians to food banks. HungerCount 2026 shows nearly one in five clients is employed, up from one in 10 in 2019. With files by CTV News’s Heather Wright
