Food Banks in Toronto: Some facts , information and great programming available!

Things looking a bit different?

Nope, you're not on the wrong site – we're updating our look and content! Keep your eyes peeled for more changes!

Author: Hayley Green

Posted: January 29, 2018

An article found here and written by Natalie Nanoswki from CBC news in late September demonstrates that Toronto Food Bank visits are up 9% with the biggest jump being in seniors and those with post-secondary degrees. This article also states that this type of increase has not been seen since the 2010 recession and that the average time for people needing to access food banks has also gone up from 12 months in 2010 to 24 months now. Scarborough alone has had the biggest increase in food bank visits since April 2016.

With the spike in visits to Food Bank’s it is important to know just how much these centre’s are doing for our community members. There’s also many additional programs they offer. Here are some facts and information about eight different Food Banks around the GTA.

Parkdale Community Food Bank

Grass roots organization founded by volunteers in November 2007
Mission is to provide food for those in need, the hungry and the impoverished.
Uses a shopping system, as opposed to the more common hamper system. This maximize’s selection and respect member’s dietary needs.
Serves up to 2,000 people a month
Commits $5,000 a year for added food purchases like milk and eggs
Relies on 50 committed volunteers to make it work.

Daily Bread Food Bank

Long term solutions to poverty
Providing food to 200 food programs across Toronto
Registered charity
Largest provider of food relief in the GTA
Offer training and development opportunities for member agencies

North York Harvest Food Bank

Primary food bank for Northern Toronto
Distributes over 2.3 million pounds of food in last year through 77 community programs
Dignified food access, empowering individuals and strengthening communities
Run a job skills Training program! This was developed in partnership with the Learning Enrichment Foundation, the program trains newcomers and people on social assistance in a range of hands-on skills using materials available at the food bank. They load and unload trucks, learn shipping and receiving, manage paperwork and inventory and learn soft skills! Check out an article here with a success story!

Fort York Food Bank

Core program offers a three day supply of groceries that is in line with the Canada food guide.
Information and support program- prevents homelessness and stops hunger by helping clients resolve and understand issues affecting them.
Community Drop in Center- meals through a community kitchen, internet/computer access, clothing and books.
Community Vitality Program- helps engage clients through economic development initiatives, life skills, nutrition classes, computer training, special events and a community garden.
Served 100,000 meals through their community kitchen, provided more then $3,000,000 of food
Helped more then 10,000 people through their counseling and advocacy programs.

Bluffs Food Bank

On Average when someone visits the Bluffs food bank in Scarborough for the first time, they haven’t eaten in three days
The Bluffs serves more then 3,000 families in Birch Cliff who face barriers like hunger, clothing and tax preparation.
The Bluffs runs a clothing Boutique that has clean, gently used clothing available.
Income Tax Clinic. This clinic helps over 700 people each year in Birch Cliff to complete their taxes.
On Thursdays The Bluffs offers soup and sandwiches for clients

The Stop Community Food Centre

Food Bank Provides a three day supply of food once per month to individuals and families who live in The Stop’s catchment area ( north of Bloor, south of St.Clair West, West of Dovercourt, east of Runnymede).
The food hampers feature fresh produce, milk, eggs and whole grains.
On Tuesdays, The Stop runs a Good Food Market where fresh and affordable produce is for sale at the food bank space from 11 am-3 pm.

Toronto Vegetarian Food Bank

Established in January 2015, volunteer run registered charity
In May 2017, they served their 75,000 meal worth of healthy, eco-friendly food!
At least 50% is fresh whole foods
If perishable foods are left over, it goes to their partner the Yonge Street Mission.
Why does Toronto need a Vegetarian Food Bank? Click here.