Food insecurity continues to rise across our community, placing increasing pressure on organizations that provide essential support to residents in need. For more than three decades, Knights Table has been at the forefront of this work in Brampton, delivering not just food, but dignity, compassion, and a pathway to stability for thousands of individuals and families.
Today, that impact is set to grow even further.
At Regional Council on March 26, 2026 (Agenda Item 20.2), I brought forward a motion, seconded by Councillor Medeiros, to support Knights Table’s new, expanded facility with a grant that covers regional development charges (DCs) in the amount of $79,000.
This motion comes at a critical time. Knights Table currently serves over 500,000 meals annually and is now proposing to convert an existing industrial building in Brampton into a larger, purpose-built community hub. This project has no additional gross floor area nor does it create new growth-related infrastructure pressures that DCs are intended to fund. The City already dealt with any DCs related to the project at the local level. While a full waiver of DCs was preferred, provincial legislation prevents this option which is why a motion for a grant was necessary at the Region of Peel.
As a long-time champion of food security, both locally and nationally, I felt the need to take this action.
“Knights Table represents the very best of our community, resilience, compassion, and action. They have stepped up to meet growing demand by fully funding a new, expanded facility that will serve more residents with dignity and care. Supporting this important work by removing these Regional charges is one of many meaningful ways we can support their work and ensure every dollar possible goes directly back into serving those who need it most.”
This builds on my ongoing advocacy, including my work with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, where I supported a national resolution calling for renewed federal investment in food banks and food rescue organizations. With food bank usage increasing by nearly 80% between 2019 and 2023, and increasing even more over the past 3 years, the need for coordinated action across all levels of government has never been more urgent.
Knights Table’s new facility reflects a forward-thinking, community-based approach to addressing food insecurity. The expanded hub will include:
- A market-style food bank that prioritizes dignity and choice
- Commercial and teaching kitchens to support nutrition and skills development
- Community gathering and dining spaces
- Integrated services and resource coordination under one roof
This is more than a building, it is critical community infrastructure.
This motion reinforces the partnerships and investments needed to address food insecurity at its roots. It also sends a clear message: when community organizations step up for the community as a collaborative partner, we stand with them.
As Brampton continues to grow, so too must our commitment to ensuring no one is left behind.
In addition to this grant, I encourage everyone to consider making a donation to Knights Table in support of their project.
