This year because of you amazing things happened! You made a huge impact in the lives of people in your community that didn’t have enough food to eat! Your donations, food drives, volunteering and support provided an incredible amount of food to people in Toronto! Thank you!
Cheers to another amazing year and onto the next!
Some kids love it. Some kids hate it. But it is on the way! The kids are about to go back to school for another year of learning, friendship and fun.
Personally, I loved back to school as a kid. Every year at the end of summer, I got to go to the mall with my mom to buy new clothes and supplies. We’d usually make a day of it and grab some pizza for lunch.
I met Jenna earlier this summer. She told me how she’s really excited to start grade four. Her favourite classes are science and gym class. “I can’t wait to see my friends again and tell them about all the things I did this summer!”
Her mother Trish, on the other hand, is not as excited. Her hours have been cut at work again and she is having trouble paying for Jenna’s school supplies. “Rent is so expensive – I really can’t afford to pay for extra things Jenna needs.”
Trish isn’t the only one feeling the pinch in September. Many clients that come into the food bank struggle with daily expenses. And food is often the most flexible thing in the budget. Unhealthy food tends to be a lot cheaper than fresh foods so those items tend to make it into children’s lunches.
“I always felt terrible when I couldn’t put fresh fruit or vegetables in her lunches – but those things cost so much lately.”
I’ve seen it myself when buying my groceries. Fresh produce prices have been skyrocketing; sometimes it is just easier to get the cheaper items while sacrificing nutrition.
Even though Jenna is still young, she can still tell when there isn’t enough food for a healthy lunch. “Once in a while I get two oranges in my lunch. Those are my favourite! Last year I didn’t get oranges much. Sometimes I didn’t get much to eat at all.”
This year Trish turned to the food bank, “I am always so grateful after going to the food bank. I come home with healthy items for Jenna and myself. Things like bread, cheese and meat so I can make her sandwiches for lunch. And there are even eggs so she can have scrambled eggs in the morning – though I prefer mine sunny side up.”
I’m relieved know that families in Toronto have access to these food banks. No child should go to school hungry.
Luckily, your support of North York Harvest helps us ensure that Trish can fill Jenna’s lunch bag with healthy foods each day. She can also send Jenna off to school having had a healthy breakfast so she can concentrate on her studies.
Help start the school year off right for kids just like Jenna! Donate today to ensure no kid in your community goes without a healthy lunch.
We had an amazing time this year with our corporate sort groups and there is still more to come! Check out this great video we made of the summer sort teams (so far…)
Engage your employees, reach out to your community of customers and add value to your philanthropy. Together we can make sure that no one in Toronto has to go without enough food to feed their families.
Find out more here or contact Kadian at 416-635-7771 ex 28 // kadian@northyorkharvest.com
I’m obsessed with cooking shows. Most recently, it’s been MasterChef Australia. I like it better than the American or Canadian versions because the contestants spend more time cooking. I am constantly amazed by what these amateur cooks can create. More than once I’ve downloaded a recipe and given it a go. 45 step decadent dessert? No problem. Coming right up.
The other day I was chatting about this with some colleagues of mine while we were out to lunch. I love food. I cook all the time. I go out to eat with friends, try new restaurants and often have people over for some fancy meal I am trying to put together. It’s social. It’s inclusive. It’s a big part of my life. But I have to admit that it’s a privilege I have. Not everyone could afford it. In fact, some friends of mine, both of whom work and have two little kids can rarely join me on these food adventures.
We often talk about social inclusion when we talk about living in poverty. It’s hard to be part of society and get engaged in the community when you are struggling to make ends meet. But it’s so important. Life is about MORE than meeting basic needs. Life is about participation, relationships and being part of a greater community.
This is where Food Bank Plus comes in. Several of our agencies have programs focused around food but geared towards social inclusion and community. Their main goal is sharing the #joyoffood.
Earlier this year, Ella Victor, Manager of the Lawrence Heights Community Food Space invited me to check out the new and improved Mission Kitchen program that her team was running. Thanks to our friends at Unilever and Food Banks Canada, they were able to hire a Registered Dietitian, buy kitchen equipment, table settings and real dishes for the program. There’s nothing like a great meal made and shared together with friends!
Ella’s program aims to provide a safe, comfortable and welcoming space for members of the community. Neighbours come together to learn how to make food, prepare recipes and share a meal. Though mostly made up of women in the community, kids will often attend on PD days or when their parents can’t find childcare. Pete, proudly representing his fellow males, is also a resident member. I was lucky enough to join several cooks and was warmly welcomed each time. It was great to meet so many Lawrence Heights Community members – it felt like a little family.
Nisha is the Registered Dietitian working with the program. Each full course meal she plans includes appetizers, a main dish, and a dessert. She tries to incorporate as many items from the food bank as possible focusing on some the clients aren’t sure how to use – such as quinoa, spaghetti squash and rutabaga. The idea is that if they feel comfortable using the items in the group, they’ll be able to use the foods when preparing meals at home. I love discovering new foods – I know it can be daunting to use ingredients that you’ve never tried before but it can also be an adventure and it’s so great when you realize how yummy they are!
“I choose recipes based on healthier cooking techniques such as baking or poaching over any sort of frying. I want to promote healthy eating for everyone and it’s so easy to do,” says Nisha. All of the recipes she chooses are simple but delicious with inexpensive ingredients that can meet multiple dietary needs. If dishes aren’t suitable for some, she makes sure everyone knows – like when she told me not to have the soup because it contained chicken broth – thanks Nisha!
Debra has been attending the program since the beginning. As we were prepping the meal, she told me how much she loves spending time with everyone. She has no relatives in the city and lives on her own so it’s been a great way for her to bond with others. I totally get this. When I first moved to Toronto it was hard not knowing anyone – it was even harder to find new friends. She’s even been trying some of the new skills and recipes at home “I made kale chips at home the other day; it was easy and it’s even a healthy snack!” The program has also introduced her to items she would see in the food bank but didn’t know how to use. One particular item that is finding its way into her kitchen is capers, she loves adding them to her salads.
“This program lifts the community! More people should join us!” Lillian enthusiastically told me when I asked her what she thought of the kitchens.
She always has a big smile on her face and is happy to pose for photos while preparing the meals. Her favourite foods to make in the program are new and creative salads. She’s definitely a people person and loves being around others who share her joy of food.
Maudlyn is a retired caterer and keeps coming every week because it keeps her active. “This program is a commitment to myself. It gets me out of the house to socialize with others! My favourite part is actually setting the table!” I can relate. Table settings seem so simple but they set the ambience. When I have friends over I pay attention to these details. It’s just another way I like to show people that they are important to me. Maudlyn feels the same.
“Setting the table really brings the group together. It makes it feel like we really are a family sharing a meal.”
After every cook the smells in the kitchen were amazing. I couldn’t wait to eat. When all the cooking was finally done – the best part – I got to try everyone’s new creations while getting to know everyone better.
Nisha and Ella also led a talk about nutrition and what foods everyone enjoyed. Participants are also encouraged to bring containers to take any leftovers home. Recipes are also handed out if anyone wants to give it a try at home. “Bringing food home to share with their families is just as important as sharing the meal here,” says Ella.
“They get to take pride in their work and share the joy even further. We also love hearing if their families enjoyed the food as much as we did or what adaptations they make to the recipes the next time they make them.”
Every time I left, I felt inspired, encouraged and stuffed. It was such an amazing sense of togetherness and community. It makes me feel grateful that such programs can exist so that everyone, despite circumstances, can enjoy the joy of food as much as I do.
Without your support, amazing programs like Mission Kitchen couldn’t exist! Even though it is only for a couple of hours each week – it really means a lot to people like Pete, Debra, Lillian, Maudlyn and the others!
Everyone deserves a place where they can safely meet people, build relationships, feel included in society and eat delicious food regardless of their income! If you would like to support programs like this in your community, please make a gift today!
Again, a BIG THANK YOU to Unilever and Food Banks Canada for making the Mission Kitchen possible.
Like the photos? See the rest on our Facebook page!
Canada has a long history of welcoming refugees fleeing war, famine and persecution. Since the 1700’s Canada has welcomed refugees around the world. In the 1780’s we welcomed African Americans that were runaway slaves. From 1900-1939 Ukrainians fleeing civil war came to Canada. In the 1940’s refugees of the WWII settled here. In 2009 we welcomed Iraqis fleeing from the rule of Saddam Hussein.
“A refugee is one that flees; especially : a person who flees to a foreign country or power to escape danger or persecution” – Merriam Webster
Most recently Canada has opened its arms to thousands of Syrian refugees, and we are proud to do our part.
This is yet another example of giving and inclusive spirit that Canadians have always had. I am glad that we are able to share our amazing country with our new Syrian community members!
Syrian families are just like ours. Moms, dads, brothers, sisters, grandpas, grandmas, aunts and uncles; many have moved into our North York community; maybe you’ve had a chance to meet them? As they are settling in, their first step is to meet their basic needs and thus many have been referred to our food banks both to access food for their family, learn more about Canadian food and often as a point of entry to other services in their community. They receive a 3 day supply of food for their families as well as referrals to any other services they may need. We are happy to help them get back on their feet.
The food bank that has seen the greatest increase of newcomers is the Oriole Food Space, located in the Parkway Forest Community Centre at 55 Forest Manor Road. I wanted to share with you what it’s like supporting our new neighbours at the food bank, so I went directly to the expert. Even with her busy schedule, I managed to track down Oriole Food Space Manager, Daffodil Davis, so she could share her experiences with us.
How many newcomers have you seen in the past year?
“Since January we have seen about 300 new faces. Last month we served 60 Syrian households”
What challenges do they face at the food bank?
“I think an obvious challenge is their unfamiliarity with Canadian food. They have trouble with the canned food items such as instant soups and meals. They are more familiar with foods such as rice, sugar, meat, dairy and fresh vegetables and fruit. Part of my job is to help educate them about this new food. I try to help them with ways they can use canned items as part of their meals.”
What other challenges are they facing as newcomers to the country?
“It is a huge learning experience for them. They are still getting used to their neighbourhoods, how to register their children for school and public transportation. Many of them are looking for employment and have a lot of skills to offer but language is a barrier.”
What are some positive responses you have received?
“I know many of them are excited and feel privileged to be here. They are incredibly ambitious people and want to experience all Canada has to offer and give back to their new community.
What are some not so positive responses you have received?
“A lot of attention is being put on them at the moment which can be really hard. I’ve spoken to a few people that feel as though they must always be sharing their stories. Sometimes they feel they are under a microscope because of their situation.”
What other services are available to them through the food bank?
“Here at the Community Centre, they have access to our partners Working Women, who provide programs such as ESL (English as a Second Language) and LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada). We have also facilitated community fairs featuring agencies that offer health care, legal clinics and other government services.”
Can you share an experience or story of working with one of the new refugee families?
“We offer a free food-handling certificate program and many of them are excited to have the opportunity to get the certificate. One woman that loves art and working with children is hoping to get a job in childcare. She was excited that she would be able to work in a kitchen preparing snacks because of this certificate”
What is your takeaway from working so closely with these individuals?
“Their goal in Canada is to find a new life, work, friends, give back to their new home and to be given a chance. They are living in a new country and looking for new beginnings.”
I can’t tell you how proud I am that we as a country were able to step up and support thousands of people in need!
It’s because of you that we are able to give these newcomers a helping hand to get back on their feet! Thank you for your incredible support of our programs throughout the years and especially during these past few months! Together we can give our new neighbours the new beginning they deserve!
If you would like to help Daffodil and our new refugee friends, make a gift here or volunteer with us!
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” – Anne Frank
Read stories of Canadian Refugees here at the Government of Canada website!
Personally, I have never used a food bank. But as someone that has spent time working at North York Harvest and getting to know the clients – I know that it can happen and it could happen when I least suspect it.
One particular story that has touched my heart lately is Jennifer’s. I met her a couple of months ago at one of our partner agencies that assists women that are pregnant and in need of food.
Jennifer is only 17 years old and was working at a part time job to save for college. But then life took one of its many unexpected turns and Jennifer discovered that she was pregnant. Kicked out of her home, she found herself without a place to live and not enough money to pay for food or rent. I really felt for her – something like this can happen to anyone.
When we met, Jennifer had been staying on a friend’s couch and using the food bank. “I was lost with nowhere to go. A social service worker I contacted told me about this prenatal program that also runs a food bank. Even though I’m in a really tough spot right now – it helps me get by.”
With the help of the Jane St. Hub Prenatal Nutrition Program, Jennifer is able to access weekly meetings with other women that are pregnant. I have visited the program once before and can see how truly beneficial it can be for some people. It gives these women a chance to bond and discuss any problems they may be facing – and Jennifer finds this extremely helpful given her current situation. After each meeting, the women receive a hamper of healthy food and have an opportunity to speak with a registered dietitian regarding any nutritional concerns they may have. For many women, this program is a gift.
“The dietitian in the program has really helped me learn about nutrition – which is extremely important to me because I’m eating for my baby now too. In fact, after I am back on my feet I hope I can finally go to college and become a dietitian myself. I want to help others the way that I have been helped.” Jennifer said hopefully.
I feel better knowing that there are programs in my community that help people like Jennifer. Sometimes life doesn’t work out as planned. But because of people like you, I know that there is someone out there to catch us when we fall.
This is just one of the many stories that come out of the programs that you support! Without you, Jennifer may not have found the help she needed or the inspiration to keep going despite unplanned circumstances.
The summer is a time when our food bank stock becomes low. Hunger in our city doesn’t get to take a summer vacation – and neither does Jennifer. With your help, you can ensure that your neighbours are able to access amazing programs in your community regardless of circumstance.
I’m making a plan this summer to partner with Jennifer and others like her to ensure they have the support and healthy food they need. I hope you will join me!
Please make a gift today and help us plan for a summer where no one goes hungry.
Don’t miss out on the latest news! Sign up for our Enews today!
Food is extremely important in all of our lives.
It’s a part of each day, whether we are sharing it with others or enjoying it by ourselves. We make decisions as to whether we want to go to a restaurant to eat, cook something up in the kitchen or just take it easy and order something right to the door.
Whether your favourite food is pizza, salad, cookies or the many kinds of food out there, we all have opinions and preferences about the food we eat.
We can’t live without it.
This is why I find the statistics of hunger in our own backyard so disheartening.
Over 15,000 people use the food bank in North York every month.
1/3 of food bank users are children.
54% of people using the food bank will miss a meal to pay other bills such as rent and transportation.
33% of the people we serve will go without food at least one day per week.
As you may recall, a few months ago I told you about Niraj Maharaj, the coordinator of the Food 4 Thought Food Bank at York University. He saw the need for a food bank for students on campus and went to work making it happen. He’s not the only person from York University that is making changes in his community.
Recently, I got a chance to speak with Rumsha Siddiqui, a student at York U. She heard about hunger statistics in her class and was shocked that this is such a prominent issue in a city such as Toronto. Hearing about this problem made her motivated to make a difference.
“We are all part of one big community and it bothers me that some of us go to bed with a full stomach while others don’t. I felt the need to do something.”
Rumsha and her classmates banded together to raise awareness in the community and help their neighbours in need.
They visited schools to do presentations, teaching others about hunger in the city.
They approached local stores to sponsor their food drive.
They even ran a cotton candy event with the local student clubs to raise awareness.
Rumsha and a few of her fellow students also joined us in the warehouse to volunteer sorting thousands of pounds of food. She told me how she had a great time helping out. She said she admired the dedication of the volunteers and staff.
In total, the York University students managed to raise 5800 lbs. of food for their neighbours in need! With that incredible donation, 580 people in Toronto will receive a hamper full of good healthy food and be able to put food on the table tonight.
What advice does Rumsha have for anyone wanting to fundraise for charity?
“Reach out to local businesses – even if you get rejected, don’t give up! We ended up having 3 stores sponsor us and raised a lot of food. Don’t forget to reach out to your local community and give them the facts. Just like we had no idea how big of an issue hunger is in our city – most people are also shocked to find out.”
The Every Plate Full Campaign is on right now and it’s such an easy and fun way to get together with your friends, classmates, coworkers or even just as an individual to raise money for people in need! Click here to find out more!
One of the amazing things about working with North York Harvest is getting the chance to meet so many different people in our community. Earlier this week I took the time to visit the Jane St. Hub and meet with Kathryn Walton.
Every week there is a drop in program, “Jane St. Hub Prenatal Nutrition Program” for women hoping to learn about having healthy pregnancy, including improving their access to healthy food. These women get together for a chance to meet other pregnant people, have a snack, discuss issues relevant to pregnancy and access the food bank. Kathryn has worked with the prenatal program there for 2 years as a Registered Dietitian and assists these women with all of their needs involving nutrition.
I popped into the program right before their group chat began and met up with Kathryn in the kitchen. She was busy at work preparing snacks and a hot meal for the women to enjoy while having drop in.
The food bank runs out of the small kitchen and provides extra food for the women to feed themselves and their families. One thing I absolutely loved was the thoughtful and educational notes that Kathryn makes to go along with the food bank items. These lovely notes contain messages about nutrition info and tips to prepare food bank items at home.
As part of the educational aspect of the prenatal program, Kathryn motivates the women to pay attention to proper nutrition. The women love learning about nutrition labels on foods as well as how to prepare the items from the food bank. “Some items will go untouched in the program simply because the women don’t know what to do with them. So I’ll discuss what options they have and how to easily make a healthy meal using the item”. Sometimes Kathryn will have food demos in the kitchen using canned items such as beans, tomatoes or salmon to prepare the group meal.
It was such a nice experience taking the time to visit with Kathryn, the clients and the other women working in the program. It is so great to know that regardless of someone’s income or circumstances in life, they are able to access these kinds of programs.
Your support touches the lives of others in many ways and can prepare people and their children for a lifetime of healthy choices.
Make a donation today to support the programs in your community.