A new report says poverty and food insecurity are climbing sharply across Canada, while Windsor food banks continue to serve record numbers of families. Food Banks Canada released its 2025 national poverty report card on Tuesday, giving the federal government a grade of “D” overall and an “F” on food insecurity. The report found poverty and insecurity have risen nearly 40 per cent in the last two years, with more than two million people relying on food banks every month. In Windsor, demand is being felt daily. “Here at the UHC, (Unemployed Help Centre) just us alone, we are serving 300 hampers per day. That’s 1,500 hampers per week,” said June Muir, CEO and president of the Windsor Essex County Food Bank Association. “Last year alone, we served over 235,000. Thirty per cent of those were children.” Muir, who is also a member of the Food Banks Canada Board of Directors, called the federal grade “upsetting, but not surprising.” “You can see that there definitely is an increase. There’s a need. This report says it all,” she said. “All Canadians should take a look at it and realize that food insecurity is a real problem.” While the report urges Ottawa to cut food insecurity in half by 2030, modernize supports such as Employment Insurance and unlock unclaimed benefits through automatic tax filing, local organizations are also looking to community partners for help. On Thursday, 7-Eleven is bringing back its “Name Your Price Day,” where customers can buy a large Slurpee for as little as 50 cents or as much as they’re willing to pay, with all proceeds going to Food Banks Canada in support of local food banks. In 2024, Windsor’s 7-Eleven location at 278 Tecumseh Rd E, raised the most donations ($471.89) and sold the most Slurpee beverages (466), of any individual store in Canada. “Last year, we sold 44,000 Slurpees and raised about $58,000,” said Marc Goodman, vice-president and general manager of 7-Eleven Canada. “It shows how philanthropic Windsorites are, and we hope we see that same kind of support again.” “It shows that Windsor is a little more dialed in and a little bit more giving than some other parts of the country,” Goodman continued. “Thursday is all about treating yourself, but knowing your dollars are going to a really, really good cause.” For Muir, even small fundraisers like this add up. “All that money, when you put it together, we’re able to purchase items that we don’t get donated. It goes a long way,” she said. “If everybody could come up with one fundraiser like 7-Eleven, it would go a long way and help with food insecurity.” Customers say they’re ready to do their part. “I think it’s great. I might have to get a Slurpee on Thursday instead of a Big Gulp,” said Theresa Gervais, adding that rising costs have forced families to rely on multiple incomes just to get by. Another regular customer, Mustafa Alhmad, said he buys Slurpees “daily” and was glad to hear Thursday’s purchases will support people in need. “It’s a good thing. I guess it helps a lot of people out,” he said. Muir says she hopes Windsorites once again step up to lead the country. “Three hundred families a day… so go out and get your Slurpee. Help us. And a big thank you to 7-Eleven,” she said. “Let’s make a difference.”
