​In 2024, the London Food Coalition continues to make significant strides in reducing food waste and fighting food insecurity. Over the past year, we have grown our network of partners, rescuing more food than ever before. We are now diverting over 1.2 million pounds of fresh food from landfills, enough to provide 50,000 Londoners with healthy, nutritious meals every week.
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New Partnerships & Expansions

We’ve expanded our coalition with new partnerships across the city, including collaborations with local farms, grocery stores, and restaurants. This growth has allowed us to increase our capacity for food rescue and reach even more vulnerable individuals and families in our community. The support of volunteers, donors, and businesses has been crucial in scaling our efforts to fight food insecurity. Additionally, we have launched educational initiatives that connect local food producers with sustainable donation options, ensuring that surplus food is put to good use.
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Rising to New Challenges

The need for food security in London is more critical than ever. Rising costs of living and the economic effects of global crises have increased the demand for food bank services across Ontario. In 2023-2024, food bank usage hit an all-time high, with over 1 million Ontarians relying on community programs for essential nutrition. At the same time, food waste continues to be a pressing environmental issue. Our coalition is dedicated to tackling both problems head-on by reducing food waste and providing immediate relief to those experiencing food insecurity.
 
The Environmental Impact of Our Work
 
Reducing waste, protecting the environment: When food is wasted, it doesn’t just impact those who go hungry—it also harms our planet. In Canada, food waste contributes to 8% of greenhouse gas emissions. The methane produced by rotting food in landfills is a potent driver of climate change. By rescuing surplus food, the London Food Coalition is not only feeding people but also playing a part in the fight against global warming. Every pound of food we save reduces methane emissions and helps build a more sustainable future.
 
Key Statistics for 2024
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• 1.2 million pounds of food rescued annually by the London Food Coalition.

• 50,000 Londoners receive fresh food every week through the coalition's efforts.

• 35% of food produced in Canada is wasted, costing $49 billion annually.

• Food waste contributes to 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

• 1 in 7 Canadian households experience food insecurity.

• Over 1 million Ontarians relied on food banks between 2023 and 2024, a record high.

• The coalition’s efforts have diverted enough food to fill over 4,000 garbage trucks.

• By rescuing food, we’ve prevented the release of thousands of tons of methane into the atmosphere.

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