Give 30: A Universal Call to Action Against Hunger in 2026
The Give 30 campaign, an initiative that bridges the gap between individual reflection and community action, has officially launched its 15th annual season. Rooted in the spirit of Ramadan, it invites everyone to turn small daily sacrifices into support for local food banks.
Communities across Canada and beyond are preparing for the return of one of the most inclusive and impactful charity drives in the country.
The Give 30 campaign (give30.ca), an initiative that bridges the gap between individual reflection and community action, has officially launched its 15th annual season.
Rooted in the spirit of Ramadan but open to people of all backgrounds, the campaign challenges participants to turn small daily sacrifices into significant support for local food banks.
The Power of an Idea
The concept for Give 30 began in 2012 with a simple observation by Toronto-based lawyer and social activist Ziyaad Mia.
While preparing for the month of Ramadan—a time when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset to build empathy and focus on social justice—Mia realized he was naturally saving the money he would have otherwise spent on lunch, snacks, and daily coffees.
"It just clicked," Mia has often recalled. "That money could go to assisting others who don't have enough to eat."
What started as a personal reflection grew into a grassroots movement that has now raised over $2 million and supports nearly 20 major food banks and anti-poverty organizations in Canada, the United States, and Australia.
The campaign's growth is a testament to its core philosophy: social solidarity.
A Campaign for Everyone
While Give 30 is timed to coincide with Ramadan—running this year from approximately February 18 to March 19—it is not an exclusively religious event.
The campaign encourages everyone, regardless of faith or background, to participate in whatever way they can.
The "30" in the campaign’s name traditionally refers to the 30 days of Ramadan, but participants are invited to apply the principle in various ways.
For those not observing the fast, the campaign suggests "brown-bagging" a lunch or skipping a daily latte for 30 days and donating those savings to the cause.
As Mia often reminds supporters, "Hunger does not discriminate or have a religion; it is a human problem that requires a human response."
Regional Impact and Growth
The campaign’s reach has expanded significantly into regional hubs. In Kingston, for example, the Give 30 initiative has become a staple for the Partners in Mission Food Bank.
Local organizers emphasize that the campaign is about making a difference through collective effort, regardless of the size of the individual donation.
By focusing on the "lunch money" concept, the campaign makes philanthropy accessible to everyone—from students to professionals.
In other urban centres like Toronto and Mississauga, the urgency of this year’s campaign is underscored by a deepening food insecurity crisis.
In early 2026, local leaders continued to report record-high food bank visits, with nearly one in ten residents in the Greater Toronto Area relying on these services.
The 2026 Mississauga launch, led by Mayor Carolyn Parrish and community advocates, highlighted that the rising cost of living is squeezing even working families and students.
How to Get Involved
The beauty of the Give 30 model lies in its direct impact.
Because partner organizations like the Daily Bread Food Bank, Food Banks Mississauga, the Ottawa Food Bank, and Kingston’s Partners in Mission Food Bank have the infrastructure to leverage bulk purchasing power, even a small donation goes a long way.
Often, the price of a single skipped coffee can be transformed into multiple nourishing meals.
Participating is simple:
- Commit to a Goal: Decide what you will "give up" for 30 days—be it a daily takeout meal, a coffee run, or a subscription you no longer use.
- Choose a Partner: Visit give30.ca and select a partner organization in your region.
- Donate: Contributions are made directly to the food banks through the Give 30 portal, ensuring funds stay within the community where they were raised.
- Spread the Word: Social media has become a primary engine for the movement. Digital calls to action on platforms like Facebook help build the "social solidarity" that is the foundation of the movement.
Looking Beyond the Month
Although the spirit of the campaign is sparked by Ramadan, the Give 30 initiative for 2026 remains active through April 30.
This extended window allows for a broader community response and reflects the reality that hunger is a year-round challenge.
Ultimately, Give 30 is about more than just charity; it is about dignity and unity.
It is a reminder that while the challenges of poverty are systemic, the response can be deeply personal.
By turning a moment of reflection into a tangible gift, participants are helping to build a more compassionate society—one meal and one day at a time.
Sources
- Official Website: Give 30 – Home
- Mission and Values: Mission Possible – Give 30
- Campaign Announcement (2026): Daily Bread Food Bank. (2026, February 9). Common humanity, common purpose: Join the Give 30 movement. dailybread.ca
- Kingston Impact: Kingstonist. (2024, March 12). Annual Give 30 campaign supports Partners in Mission Food Bank for 13th year. kingstonist.com
- Community Impact: Food Banks Mississauga. (2025). Food Banks Mississauga Launches Give 30 Ramadan Fundraiser. foodbanksmississauga.ca
- Media Coverage: CBC News. (2016/2026 update). ‘Give 30’ offers non-Muslim Montrealers a taste of Ramadan. cbc.ca
- Digital Content: Give 30 Campaign. (2026). Digital Call to Action/Video Reel. facebook.com/share/r/1C3EpT2EKR/