U.S. tariffs cause ‘uncertainty’ as food bank network in Mississauga launches Spring Drive [Video]

As Food Banks Mississauga launches its annual Spring Drive to help stock the shelves for residents in need, officials at the city’s largest food bank network say they’re facing a great deal of “uncertainty” caused by U.S.-imposed tariffs and threats of more tariffs to come.

The charitable organization said Mississauga experienced the fastest-growing rate of food bank use in Ontario in 2024 and now as spring 2025 approaches, its annual fundraising campaign comes “at a time when Food Banks Mississauga is facing uncertainty with how potential economic pressures from south of the border will impact food bank use.”

The Spring Drive, which runs March 10 through April 30 with a goal of raising $1 million, also follows FBM’s recent announcement of layoffs carried out to prioritize food provision to food bank visitors, officials said in a news release on Monday.

The drive is once again sponsored by Scotts Canada Ltd., which, as usual, will match donations dollar for dollar.

Last year’s Spring Drive raised $678,000, well short …