Investing in Food Security in Mississauga

Despite living in a place of abundance, visits to food banks are increasing for the residents in Mississauga, Ontario, where General Mills’ Canadian headquarters is located.

Using the learnings from our investment in a few of our other hometown communities of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Buffalo, New York, we’re using an innovative model that aims to enable local know-how and leadership, with the partnership of United Way, to advance and sustain lasting solutions to hunger and lack of food access in Mississauga.

The six organizations supported by this $1 million program will connect Mississauga residents living in poverty with nutritious, culturally appropriate and affordable food.

One of the six grant recipients, Ecosource, is an organization that connects residents with a network of ten community gardens across Mississauga.

The gardens are tailored to local needs, and they also support residents with food-based workshops and build the capacity of community partners to address emerging challenges.

Britt McKee, executive director of Ecosource, is thrilled to be part of the initiative.

“This generous support will allow us to strengthen collaboration among community agencies to achieve our shared vision of a city in which all residents have the food they need to thrive,” she said.

McKee and the other grant recipients attended a launch event, where many of the Canadian headquarters employees and other members of the community got to be a part of the celebration.

Dale Storey, vice president and managing director for our Canada business, reiterated General Mills’ commitment to food security and to our hometowns at the launch event.

“Supporting our community is nothing new for General Mills Canada,” said Storey. “With partners like United Way and many others, our charitable support and the commitment of our employees as volunteers in their communities has been making a difference for those in need for countless years.”

Because aside from this new initiative, our Canadian employees have been actively involved in food security efforts for many years, through our work with Food Banks Canada, the Breakfast Club of Canada and our longtime partnership with United Way.

Nicola Dixon, executive director for the General Mills Foundation, also remarked on our innovative approach to expanding food access in our hometowns.

“The best way we can have a lasting impact is through a community-led effort that empowers local knowledge and know-how to drive solutions and innovation,” said Dixon.