Tag Archive: meals

1. Connecting Through Food

   July 29, 2016 9:35 am Comments Off on Connecting Through Food

   

   Guest blog by Shirah Stern, Development Associate Corporate Giving

   Did you know that there are free toy lending libraries in North York?  Or literacy programs to prepare children for school? I sure didn’t before I went to visit Weston Area Emergency Services (WAES).  WAES is a food bank that falls under the NYH umbrella offering emergency food hampers to people in need.  It was there I met volunteer Marlene Jones.  And she sure taught me a lot about community services I didn’t even know existed!

   Marlene has been volunteering with WAES for almost a year now.  After retiring, Marlene wanted to give back because she personally felt grateful for the education and career that she has had in her life.  Her passion for health and nutrition naturally led her to a volunteer program that helps people in her neighbourhood access the food they need.  “Having access to good food is so important for family health,” she told me. “It’s also important that members of our communities are aware of programs to support people regardless of their personal income or background. Especially if they have kids.”

   With four young children, I often wonder why kids don’t come with a manual.  We all want to be the best parent that we can and these free resources are a huge helping hand for many that don’t have a ready support network.

   As a retired public health nurse, Marlene informs clients of nearby programs that they didn’t know they had access to.  These range from parenting programs and educational tutoring to newcomer workshops and recreational activities.  And these are available for anyone in the city. Because Marlene shares her knowledge, these families know where they can go to make their lives just a little bit easier.

   
   Marlene shared the joy she feels being able to assistant clients with their food needs and help them get other supports they need.  Young, single mothers come to the food bank to put food in their bellies, and walk out with information about summer camp their children can attend.  A man struggling with being laid off from work will come in to get extra items for dinner and leave with the number of a service to help him update his resume.  There are so many other examples of people in your neighbourhood that benefit from these programs.

   Referral services and connections are part of what makes food banks so important to our community.  I have worked at NYH for many years and I didn’t even know that some of these programs were available (toy lending library??!!).  And working in the social service sector, if I wasn’t aware, I can imagine many other families in our city that could really use these services aren’t aware of them either.  Sharing is caring.

   I really admire the generosity and thoughtfulness of Marlene and other volunteers at WAES – they truly demonstrate the value of volunteering and helping others in the community. “It takes a village to raise a child,” share Marlene.  And she enjoys being a part of it.

   Families in our city are accessing programs that are helpful because of connections made in the food bank.  It is because of you that we are able to make connections like this happen. Thank you for being part of our village.

   Each day many volunteers put their time and heart into making a difference in the community through volunteering.  If you are interested in volunteering with us please contact us – we’d love to have you join the team!

    

    

   

   Want to know more about free programs offered in the city?  Call Toronto Health Connections at 416-338-7600 or 211 to access community resources for anyone.

2. Poverty in Toronto

   July 1, 2016 9:15 am 2 Comments

   Toronto is a diverse city and provides amazing opportunities for millions.  Unfortunately poverty still affects thousands of families every day. Some of these facts are surprising if not disturbing. We believe that working together we can make make a difference.   We’ve put together an infographic to show you some facts on poverty in the city.

   

   View in PDF
   
   
   
   

3. A Kitchen with a Mission

   June 24, 2016 9:30 am 1 Comment

   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!

    

   
   
   
   
   

4. New Beginnings

   June 17, 2016 2:28 pm Comments Off on New Beginnings

   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!

   
   
   
   

5. Guest Blog: Meet Chloe

   May 13, 2016 6:30 am Comments Off on Guest Blog: Meet Chloe

   At North York Harvest Food Bank, we are so lucky to have AMAZING donors, volunteers and supporters make a difference in the lives of over 15,000 people in your community EACH MONTH!

    

   ________________________________

   Hi Everyone!

   I am 11 years old and in grade 5 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic School. I got into volunteering at the food bank after my family and I went to drop off some donations and got a chance to have a tour of the sorting facility. My favourite part about volunteering is having a great feeling that I help out and being able to tell my friends about my experience and ask that they help out too.

   For my birthday I was lucky to have 2 parties. One with friends and one with my family. For the family celebrations, I asked my cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents to collect their loose change and bring it on my birthday instead of buying me presents.  It felt great when they brought their change and I put it into the container that I was collecting it in and brought it when we went to sort food in March. My family thought it was really cool and they promised that they will try to save more change for the next time I come to them to collect for the food bank. My cousins were happy to help.

   

   My mom always tells us how lucky we are for having so much. Living in a nice house, having lots of toys and always food and snacks. She told us that not too far from where we live there are many kids who live in very sad situations. They don’t have toys, they don’t have a big house and many of them only get very little to eat. They have no choice of what to eat. 

   My mom also told us that she has to decided every day what she is going to cook for dinner, but there are parents out there who have to decide between paying the rent or buying food. This makes me very sad. So that’s why I want to help out the food bank so that kids can have meals.

   We plan to volunteer at the sorting facility, I am still collecting change to bring along. I am also going to make little things to sell to my friends to raise money. I have also invited friends to come with us to help sort food.

   

   I think volunteering is fun and it makes you feel great!

   Thank you,

   Chloe

    

    

   __________________________

   Thank you, Chloe for being such an inspiration and helping people in your community!

   If you would like to join Chloe in making a difference, see the many ways you can get involved with us here!

   
   
   
   

6. Students for Change

   May 6, 2016 8:50 am Comments Off on Students for Change

   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.

   Did you know…?

   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.

    

   But what can we do?

   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.”

   Rumsha had a great time fundraising for a cause she cares about and so can you!

   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!

    

    

   
   
   
   
   

7. Filling Plates Together

   April 22, 2016 2:02 pm Comments Off on Filling Plates Together

   Just do it!

   That was Anita Booth’s response when I asked her if she had tips for getting the office involved in charitable efforts.  As Genworth’s Director of Marketing and Community Relations, Anita has spearheaded the company’s fundraising events in our Every Plate Full Campaign.

   

   This summer alone, 918,724 Canadians will be using a food bank to fill their plates. National campaign Every Plate Full will bring thousands of people like you together to provide food for people that need it the most.

   

   This is the second year that Genworth employees have filled the plates of Canadians that use food banks.  Last year the employees raised $4000 through fun activities such as jeans day (which Anita tells me is very popular at the office) and running raffles.  This year is no different. “We kicked off on April 4^th and we’ll spend the month raising money. Each week it’s something new and exciting. We have a 50/50 draw, a raffle for a new IPad and other great items”.

   And it’s more than raising money. “Working together to help others and having fun while doing it is what truly makes this effort a success. The employees really feel good at the end of the day.”

   How can you get your company involved with the Every Plate Full campaign? Anita tells me how easy it is to find a fundraising activity – no matter how small or busy your office may be.  “It’s easy and affordable to do things like jeans day, volunteering, an office potluck, a 50/50 draw or even a draw for a day away from the office. Anyone can get their employees excited about being a part of something no matter what their budget is.  It has also been proven that community involvement is imperative in attracting and retaining new talent.”

   

   So what are you waiting for?

   You can get your coworkers involved TODAY and be a part of this incredible nationwide effort to fill the plates of our neighbours! We want to provide 30,000 meals to your community and you can help make that happen! Sign up HERE or contact Shirah at 416-635-7771 x 48 or shirah@northyorkharvest.com and she’ll help you figure out what works for you and your company.

   Want to get involved as an individual or put a team together outside of work?  You can do that too!  Just sign up here! This summer, join thousands of Canadians across the country to ensure all of our neighbours have a full plate!

   
   
   
   
   

8. Nutrition for a Lifetime

   April 15, 2016 6:37 am Comments Off on Nutrition for a Lifetime

   

   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.

   “Some of these women haven’t eaten all day and it really means a lot to them to come in and have a hot meal waiting for them,” Kathryn tells me.

   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.

   

   “Education about proper diet and nutrition really sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy food choices.” Kathryn says.

   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.

   Without you programs like this would not be possible!

   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.