Cultural Connections and Care: South Asian Moms Combat Hunger in Milton

By: Shazia Nazir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter

In the heart of Milton, a group of South Asian immigrant mothers is making a difference, one meal at a time. Known as the Desi Moms, these women have launched a community initiative called Food for All, aimed at tackling food insecurity while fostering a sense of connection and care in the town.

The idea is both simple and powerful: gather donations of meal ingredients, cook together as a group, and distribute warm, nutritious meals to individuals and families struggling to make ends meet. What started as a small effort among friends has quickly gained momentum, drawing volunteers from all walks of life.

“Our culture teaches us that food is an expression of love,” said Samara Pahari, one of the founding members of the Desi Moms. “We wanted to bring that same spirit of care to Milton, where so many families are feeling the weight of rising costs and economic uncertainty.”

Milton is now the municipality with the highest poverty rate in the region, according to a report released Jan. 17 by Community Development Halton (CDH). The Community Data Watch: Post-Pandemic Poverty report shows poverty in Milton has climbed to 15.1 per cent — an increase of nearly 30 per cent since 2018.

Winters, often a challenging time for food banks as donations dwindle after the holidays, seemed like the perfect month to start the initiative. By collecting ingredients and cooking in bulk, the Desi Moms have been able to pack individual portions of meals for easy distribution through local community organizations.

But the project is about more than just feeding people. It’s also about building connections. Volunteers from diverse cultural backgrounds have joined the effort, using the cooking sessions to share stories, laughter and recipes.

“Cooking together has been such a rewarding experience,” said Sara Ahmed, a volunteer who joined the initiative last month. “It reminds us of the strength of community and the power of collective action.”

Housing affordability remains a critical issue in Milton. Rising rental prices are making it increasingly difficult for residents to secure stable living conditions. More than 20,000 residents now live below the poverty line — a stark contrast to the temporary decline observed during the pandemic.

The Desi Moms hope to expand the program in the coming months, reaching even more families in need. They are encouraging Milton residents to donate meal ingredients or volunteer their time.

“Food for All is more than an initiative,” said Pahari. “It’s a reminder that when we come together, we can create warmth — not just a meal, but in the hearts of those who give and receive.”