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In tough economic times, the prescription for survival is usually simple: be frugal and hold on to your job for dear life. It's a matter of self-interest, of protecting one's family, and it comes naturally in times like these.

But that strategy will do nothing for the nearly one million people living in Toronto today who rely on food banks. According to the projections coming from Etobicoke-based Daily Bread Food Bank, those in need are more alone now than ever. If we should feel burdened by our own despair, we have only to think of their plight to realize our true fortunes.

Food donations are down, but the number of food bank clients are on the rise. Gail Nyberg, executive director of Daily Bread Food Bank, said they saw an estimated 13 per cent hike in food bank clients in September compared to the same time last year.

Those numbers are only expected to get worse. If the economy continues its downward spiral, you can bet there will be more individuals, families and children knocking on the doors of food banks city-wide. Most of these people are working-poor, living paycheque to paycheque, uncertain if they can make rent, provide for their families and feed their children. So though we may be starting to ration our own stores, we should put aside some non-perishables for those less fortunate if we can afford it.

This challenge of charity extends to businesses as well. Nyberg asked last week that grocery stores donate three of the five cents they stand to make off the city's new plastic bag fee. It's estimated that donated money would give the food bank an extra $23 million and would help a great deal in restocking the bare shelves at the city's 65 food bank locations. The city is unable to force retailers to do anything with their excess revenue, but the businesses should volunteer a portion of it to charity - especially since that revenue comes to them as a gift, with no strings attached. Why not do some good with money they weren't expecting to be making anyway?

Normally, it doesn't take much to contribute to an office or school food drive, but when the going gets tough for your own family, neighbours and colleagues, it takes true strength of character to share what little is on your plate. Make a point this season to donate what you can to the Daily Bread Food Bank.