By: Shazia Nazir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter
As the Christmas season brought colder temperatures and growing need to Milton, a group of South Asian immigrant mothers known as the Desi Moms transformed the spirit of the holidays into a community-wide food drive focused on warmth, generosity and shared humanity.
Building on a successful community meal initiative earlier this year, the Desi Moms relaunched their effort during the Christmas season under the banner Food for All, turning it into a holiday-focused food drive and meal preparation program aimed at helping families facing food insecurity.
The women collected donated meal ingredients in the weeks leading up to Christmas, gathering in kitchens to cook festive, nourishing meals that were then distributed to individuals and families through local community organizations. What began as a small grassroots effort has grown into a meaningful seasonal tradition, drawing volunteers from across Milton’s diverse population.
“In our culture, food is how we show love, especially during holidays,” said Samara Pahari, one of the founding members of the Desi Moms. “Christmas is about sharing, warmth and compassion, and we wanted to make sure those values reached families who might otherwise be struggling during this time of year.”
The timing of the Christmas food drive reflected a growing local need. According to a report released Jan. 17 by Community Development Halton, Milton now has the highest poverty rate in the region. The Community Data Watch: Post-Pandemic Poverty report shows the town’s poverty rate has risen to 15.1 per cent — an increase of nearly 30 per cent since 2018 — with more than 20,000 residents now living below the poverty line.
While donations often spike in December, organizers said many families continue to face hardship as winter progresses, making coordinated community efforts essential.
“Christmas can be especially hard when you’re choosing between rent, heat and food,” Pahari said. “We wanted to make sure no one felt forgotten during the holidays.”
Volunteers gathered to prepare meals in bulk, packing individual portions designed to be easily reheated and shared. The cooking sessions themselves became a celebration of community, with participants exchanging recipes, traditions and stories from different cultures.
“Cooking together during the holidays has been incredibly meaningful,” said volunteer Sara Ahmed. “It reminds you that Christmas isn’t just about gifts — it’s about showing up for one another and creating something together.”
Among those moved by the initiative was Zubaida, an Indo-Canadian Muslim woman who recently arrived in the Milton area. She said participating in the Christmas food drive helped her feel connected to her new community.
“I may be new here, but kindness has no religion or language,” Zubaida said. “Helping prepare food during Christmas made me feel included and welcomed. It showed me that Milton is a place where people care for each other.”
Organizers say housing affordability and rising rental costs continue to put pressure on many residents, making food insecurity an ongoing concern beyond the holiday season. The Desi Moms hope to continue Food for All into the new year, expanding partnerships and encouraging more residents to donate ingredients or volunteer time.
“This started as friends helping friends, and it’s grown into something bigger,” Pahari said. “At Christmas, we’re reminded that when we come together, we can create warmth — not just on the table, but in our community.”
The Desi Moms say the Christmas food drive is now likely to become an annual seasonal tradition, reinforcing the message that compassion and generosity should extend well beyond the holidays.
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