8 GREAT reasons to run a summer food drive!

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8 Great Reasons to Start a Summer Food Drive

Food drives are essential in helping 30,000 clients across our network meet their food needs every month. They’re especially important during the summer, when our shelves begin to empty but the need in our community remains just as high.

Here are 8 great reasons why YOU should start your very own food drive this summer!

1. Donations are much lower in the summertime

An empty donation box for North York Harvest Food Bank sits outside.
As the warm weather hits, people are focused on planning vacations and enjoying the great outdoors. 

At the food bank however, that means empty shelves. Summer hasn’t even started yet, but we’re already running critically low on many non-perishable essentials including pasta and canned fish.

Unfortunately, there is no vacation from hunger. Summer is a critical time for community support, and community food drives play an integral role in ensuring there’s enough food for our clients.

2. A child’s happy summer starts with good nutrition

Three children play on a tire swing in a sandy playground setting.

Children need their energy for all the play and activities that come with summer. But without school snack programs, many families struggle to provide their children with enough nutritious food to fuel their day.

At North York Harvest, 1 in 4 people we support is a child. By hosting a food drive, you’ll be easing a family’s stress so they can have a great summer, too.

3. Connect with your community & each other

Seven people stand around a large container of donated food at a food bank warehouse, smiling and linking arms.

A food drive unites people under a common goal: to make a difference in your community. It can be started at your work or school, your place of worship, in your neighbourhood, or even within your family.

For inspiration, read how a food drive at the La Rose townhouse complex turned strangers into neighbours who have hosted community food drives for the past four years!

4. You’re taking an active role in fighting food insecurity

An older woman wearing a hat and winter jacket can be seen from behind as she waits for food to be served at a food bank.

1 in 10 Torontonians turning to a food bank is a daunting number, and it can make someone feel powerless about the situation. By taking this step, you’re empowering yourself and others to take action and directly help people in your own community.

5. You can inspire others to take action

Five people pose for a photo around a large box of donated food items inside of a food bank warehouse.

One food drive can spark more, especially when shared on social media or in your workplace. Be the reason someone you know says, “I can help, too.”

6. Kids and teens can lead them too

A teenaged girl stands in a delivery truck full of bags of food donations.

Food drives teach youth about leadership, community values, and the power every person has to make a difference.

For inspiration, check out this family food drive that has been supporting North York Harvest for 10 years!

7. It’s easy to organize, and we’re here to help!

In the foreground is a box of donated items, in the background a person can be seen passing more items for donation in a grocery bag to a food bank employee.

Virtual food drive or in-person – raise food or funds it’s up to you!

Our team will be with you every step of the way to coordinate your successful fundraiser.

8. Reduce food waste

Cans of fish sit on a shelf at a food bank.

Unused but safe pantry items in your home or office can go directly to someone in need – instead of the trash.

Get started today! To register your food or fund drive and to learn more about our most-needed items, visit here.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, please contact husnia@northyorkharvest.com. 

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