During the fall more and more of your food donations start to come through the door, and while that’s fantastic news for many of our community members, it creates the need for more volunteers in our warehouse. One group of volunteers that we rely heavily on during the fall and winter are our group food sorters. Every day thousands of pounds of food that you have raised through your food and fund drives, come into our warehouse and we need to make sure that this food is checked for expiry dates and damages and then sorted into the appropriate categories so that it can be sent out to agencies as quickly as possible.
Last year we had over 2000 volunteer food sorters come through our warehouse sorting an incredible 300,000 pounds of your food donations. That’s 30,000 hampers of healthy food for our neighbours in need.
Families, co-workers, classrooms, church groups, Girl Guide troops, and hockey teams all ran food and fund drives and then came though our doors looking for a great bonding experience that would make a difference to their community. All of them left at the end of the day with smiles of their faces knowing they had done a great thing for their neighbours in need.
Now the time has arrived for a new season of group food sorting and we need your help!
If you’re interested in group food sorting there are a few different ways to get involved:
1) If you are a 360 Partner or a Corporate Sponsor of North York Harvest you can register your team for food sorting RIGHT NOW! Please email fawad@northyorkharvest.com, and he’ll make sure your team has everything they need to get going.**
2) General Registration opens on September 1st. Please email fawad@northyorkharvest.com for more information about how to register your group.
Federal election season is just around the corner, and with the spotlight shining brighter on the many social, economic and environmental issues impacting Canadians, I’m finding myself filled with conflicting emotions. On the one hand, I know that objectively speaking, I live in amazing country; one that encourages its citizens to share their voices, and offers many social services to enhance their quality of life. But just as there’s so much to be proud of in Canada, there are also many reasons to be critical.
For example, this month alone, over 840,000 of your fellow Canadians, 37% of which are children, will go to their local food bank looking for their next meal. That number has grown steadily since the recession of 2009 and with little national policy in place to combat food insecurity, there’s no reason to believe that things will turn around soon.
Simply put, in a country as developed and prosperous as Canada, no one should have to worry about where their next meal will come from.
Because of your donations, food banks like North York Harvest are able to make sure that Canadians in need can put good, healthy meals on the table. But that doesn’t mean that the issue has been resolved.
On October 19th 2015, we will go to the polls to decide who makes the big decisions in our country moving forward. With food bank usage across the country at all-time high levels, now is the time to let politicians know that food security is important to you and to millions of other Canadians, and that improvements to the current policy need to be made.
Here are a few simple actions that you can take to make sure that issues surrounding hunger and food banks are not forgotten this election season.
1) Contact the Member of Parliament candidates in your riding and let them know that food security in Canada is important to you and your neighbours. Call their office, write them a letter, email, or even tweet at them. It’s going to be their job to represent the views of their constituents; so make sure that they know that you’re passionate about this issue.
2) Attend local debates and try to get the issue of hunger in Canada on the agenda. This is great way to ensure that the topic becomes part of the discussion during the campaign and that strategies are being put forth by candidates.
3) On October 19th, head to the polls and vote for the candidate or party that represents your hope for a Canada without hunger!
If you’re not sure what party best aligns with your beliefs, you might want to take this on-line quiz.
This election season let’s make our communities without a enough food a priority. Let us know what you’re doing to spread the word by tweeting at us today with hash-tag #votefood4all.
Comments Off on Agency Profile: Room to Grow Empowers Participants
When you picture a trip to a food bank, you probably don’t envision the most pleasant experience. And hey, that’s fair. While food banks are a vital community service, accessing them can sometimes be an embarrassing and anxiety inducing experience. To deal with this reality, North York Harvest, and food banks around Canada are investing in a model that helps make the experiencing of coming to a food bank more empowering and dignified for the participant.
For the answers I went to Aja Peterson, North York Harvest’s Agency Development Coordinator who has been championing the choice model for many years and as part of North York Harvest’s Agency Investment Project. The program, generously funded by Trillium, the RBC Foundation and individual donors like you, is a three year pilot project designed to build the capacity of our member agencies and ensure that agency clients are receiving the most dignified service, are being connected to other support systems in the community, and are able to focus on their lives without worrying where their next meal will come from. The choice model aligns with all of these goals, making it a natural fit for agencies participating in the project.
“I think at its core the choice model helps people to better understand each other” Aja told me. “It breaks down stereotypes, and creates a more empowering environment, which is one of the Agency Investment Projects main objectives.”
Over the last few months Aja has been hard at work helping North York Harvest member agency Room to Grow Food Bank make the switch to the choice model. Operating out of Westway United Church, Room to Grow partners with the Room to Grow Child Centre, and serves low-income residents in the Central Etobicoke area.
When participants arrive at Room to Grow, rather than receiving a box of pre-picked items, they are encouraged to put together their own food hamper which will suit their own cultural and health requirements. The process has gone a long way towards empowering participants, but how has it worked for food bank staff and volunteers?
“Like any change, it was a bit scary at first, but the volunteers at Room to Grow were so receptive to new ideas, and really supported the transition to the choice model”, said Aja said.“They tell me all the time how great it is to interact with their fellow community members and how they are building more meaningful relationships, getting more face-to-face time with participants, and getting to know their stories and more about their families”.
Of course beyond volunteer adoption, there are many other factors that go into choice model integration. A project of this size requires capital, space, training, shelves, purchased food and staff support, which necessitates a large investment of time, resources and money. This is why we continue to look to your donations, as they ensure that programs like the choice model will continue to thrive.
When I ask Aja if she’s noticed any changes at Room to Grow since the transition she seems thrilled with the progress.
“Before the switch to the new model the division between the participants and volunteers was very pronounced. All the food was behind dividers which made the room feel dark and cramped, and bit suspicious because you couldn’t really see what was going on behind the walls. Now we’ve taken down the dividers and the room feels brighter, warmer and more welcoming. We have more space to walk around and it really feels like a community hub, rather then a waiting room.”
“Room to Grow is doing so well”, she continued. “They have the capacity, the right attitude and are really working hard to make sure that this project is successful.
Choice model food banks like Room to Grow aren’t just making the food bank experience more empowering, they are helping to build community and connection out of a very tough situation. We at North York Harvest know that the choice model is the best thing for our member agencies and hope that this system will become a staple of our organization.
What can you do to help? Help agencies like Room to Grow by making a donation today. Your support will enable NYH to continue investing in our agencies, providing training, building capacity like new shelves, storage or fridges as well as contribute to acquiring better food, which ensures that our participants have a greater variety of fresh and healthy food to choose from.
Comments Off on Why Food Banks are Choosing Choice.
This might sound a little strange, but I really like going grocery shopping. I know that the parking lots can be crazy, and the check-out lines can be long, but I find the whole experience strangely soothing. Seriously! Like most people I have my own little routine. Essentials first; milk, veggies, eggs, bread, juice, and then depending on how I’m feeling, I’ll move onto something more adventurous; maybe a nice curry for dinner, a catch of the day fish, or some ingredients for baking. It might not seem like a big thing in the moment, but you have to admit, it is an empowering and comforting feeling, knowing that there’s a place where we can so easily get the foods that we like, and build a meal that suits our lifestyle. Being in control of your food feels great.
Unfortunately, many of our neighbours in Toronto don’t always get to feel that type of freedom or independence when it comes to what they eat. With the cost of living in Toronto sky rocketing, and unemployment still high, a trip to the grocery store is a luxury many of our community members often can’t afford. Luckily, thanks to your donations, organizations like North York Harvest Food Bank are able to ensure that just because many people might not be able to purchase everything they want, doesn’t mean that they can’t have access to good food in a dignified and personal way.
The “choice model” food bank is a relatively new idea that over the last few years has become a much more common practice at food banks around Toronto. The idea is really simple. Rather than receiving a box of pre-picked items, participants at choice model food banks are given more of a marketplace experience. With the help of a food bank volunteer they are taken past the shelves of food and encouraged to put together their own hamper of items that they know their family will like, and that will meet their dietary or cultural requirements.
“The choice model is an important step for food banks to take, because the right to choose is such an important part of dignity”, says Mike Bartlett, our summer intern and Masters of Social Work candidate at York University. “The choice model empowers our community members to make the choices that they know will be right for their families. Volunteers aren’t left to guess what a family might need.”
Switching over to a choice model, can take what might often be a very rigid process, and turn it into an experience that lays the foundation for real social change through community growth and development. Food assistance becomes a more collaborative process, with participants and volunteers working together to put together food baskets and plan their weekly meals. Allowing the participants to become part of process not only creates a more dignified experience for them, but also fosters discussion, trust and meaningful relationship building.
Participants also seem to favour the system, as it allows them to pick and choose depending on their families’ needs. For some people pasta might be just what they’re looking for, while for others it might be rice or quinoa. Most importantly, if they don’t want something, they can leave it and it stays on the shelf for someone else to enjoy.
Comments Off on NYH supporters went for a run. You wont believe what happened next!
Last fall, a group of North York Harvest supporters met down at Toronto’s waterfront and raised 60,000 meals in a few hours. It was fun, easy, and all they had to do was lace up their running shoes.
Every year NYH supporters, volunteers and staff have the amazing opportunity to join thousands of community members for a day of fun and exercise at the annual Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon. THIS YEAR YOU CAN JOIN THE MOVEMENT. The event is the perfect excuse to get a group of friends together and have a day out in the sun in support of your neighbours struggling with hunger. And all that fun really pays off! Last year, thanks to your involvement and pledges, we were able to raise $20,000 that went toward providing families across northern Toronto with healthy food in a time of need.
This year’s marathon, takes place on October 18th. I know, that seems like an eternity from now. But the sooner you sign up, the sooner you can start calling your friends and building an amazing team for the day of the race. It’s a great excuse to connect with an old friend you haven’t seen in while, or spend some time with your work buddies outside of the office.
The best part about the event is that you don’t have to be Usain Bolt to take part (although, Usain, if you’re reading this, we’re saving you a spot on our team). The race offers a variety of options for all levels of experience; from a 5 km walk all the way up to a full marathon! Whether you’re pushing yourself for a personal best, or dressing up with a wacky group of friends, the day is sure to be a rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Next steps are EASY!
Contact our run coordinator Leslie (leslie@northyorkharvest.com). She’ll do all the heavy lifting and register your team.
Call all your friends and get them on board. We want this to be our biggest team ever, and we need you to help spread the word.
No matter your age or endurance level, we promise that joining North York Harvest in the Scotiabank Marathon will be something you, and your friends and family will love. Together we’ll raise thousands of meals for neighbours in need, and have a blast doing it.
Comments Off on Toronto’s Poverty Strategy Focuses On Food Security
Toronto is our home town. If you’re like me, whenever you speak with people from outside the city, it can be hard not to get swept up in the positives. We love the city’s history, cultural vibrancy and diversity. Some days I wonder if I could ever live anywhere else. However, we’ve probably romanticized our city. Toronto has a darker side, serious problems that are too easy to ignore.
Last week you might have notice that the city of Toronto released TO Prosperity, a comprehensive poverty reduction strategy. In the introduction, Deputy Mayor Pam Mcconnell wrote openly about how, despite Toronto’s reputation as a prosperous city and a centre of economic growth, our poverty problem has become impossible to ignore. 1/4 of Toronto’s children live in poverty. So do 46% of new comers to Canada, 33% of racialized groups, and 30% of people with disabilities.
“This inequality is simply unacceptable. Toronto can do better”, wrote Mcconnell.
As the primary food bank for northern Toronto, we whole heartedly agree with this statement. I know you do too! Everyday at North York Harvest we witness the impact of poverty in our communities, and strategize about how, together, we can continue to make improvements. We’re lucky to know that we can rely on your donations to help put food on our neighbour’s tables, but at the same time, we know that for things to truly get better we need a serious commitment from our city’s government to address the growing poverty in our communities. TO Prosperity is a step in the right direction.
As you probably know, a major contributor to the city’s poverty is lack of access to affordable and healthy food. It’s no secret that a plentiful and nutritious diet leads to healthier kids, more productive adults, and stronger communities. Yet in many of the city’s neighbourhoods, good food is very hard to come by. Since 2008 Toronto’s inner suburbs have seen a 38% increase in food bank visits, with over 1 million visits a year. It’s an alarming number, and one that might have you asking, ‘In a wealthy city like Toronto, with so much food available, why are so many people going without?’
Well, the problem isn’t so much that the food isn’t there, but that it’s unavailable to so many of our neighbours. Farmer’s markets, grocery stores and restaurants are all abundant in TO, but their prices have become so high that they exclude a large part of the city’s community members. Markets and sources of fresh produce also tend to avoid low income neighbourhoods, leading to large urban areas referred to as “food deserts”. To sum it up, the problem isn’t a lack of food, but a lack of income.
To combat this, the committee has put forward some recommendations and actions aimed at bringing healthy and affordable food into Toronto’s less prosperous neighbourhoods. If you haven’t had a chance to look through them yet, take a look, and then head on to Twitter – Do you agree? Is it enough? What else can we do?
Some of the key actions that stuck out to us will seek to:
“Develop mechanisms that make it easy and cost-effective for community agencies and schools to procure healthy food.” – 11.1
“Encourage local markets in public spaces, and open civic land and spaces to host food markets.” – 11.4
“Support mechanisms to increase student nutrition programs in collaboration with school boards.” – 11.6
“Remove barriers (zoning, licensing, planning) to maximize urban agriculture and food production on public and private space and land.” – 12.1
“Create clear policies that support the 30 development of community kitchens, outdoor bake ovens, community cooking classes and other food-oriented activities that support social cohesion and food access, and create economic opportunities.” – 12.3
In particular, action 10.3 – “Support food banks to improve the quality of their food stock, provide culturally specific food, and increase access and eligibility to food for people in need”, really struck a chord with our team.
Your generous donations keep food in our neighbour’s cupboards stocked, but as the demand continues to grow, we’re constantly striving to improve the quality of our services, by providing a greater quantity of fresh and culturally specific food options. We recently invested in a new fridge triple the size our old one, and a freezer double the size of our old one, allowing us to accept and distribute more of your fresh produce and food donations. This means that, this month, a young child gets to bring nutritious lunch to camp, or a new Canadian family will get to enjoy seasonal local produce around the dinner table.
If you are as passionate about the Poverty Reduction Strategy as we are, please consider contacting your city councillor and letting them know that you support the plan. The final strategy will be brought to council in the fall, with hopes to include it in the 2106 budget. You can read the entire report here.
Comments Off on Ramadan Campaign “Give 30” Supports NYH
Every now and then I think about the amount of money I’ve spent on the little pleasures of life. An iced coffee on a hot day, a sandwich from the deli, an Uber ride to save a bit of time. It doesn’t seem like a lot in the moment, but when these things become part of my day to day, the numbers really start to add up. One Toronto resident was thinking the same thing, and now, along with hundreds of community members, he’s spreading the message that your small savings can add up to big impacts.
A few years back, Toronto lawyer Ziyaad Mia and a friend were having a laugh about all the money they were saving by forgoing their daily lunch and coffee during Ramadan, the 9th month of the Islamic calendar when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. The joke gave Ziyaad an idea. What if this extra cash, saved as a result of his fasting, could go towards helping the millions of people across Canada experiencing real hunger?
Ziyaad brought the idea to his family and friends, and before he knew it he had started Give 30, an annual fundraising campaign designed to fight hunger in Canada. During Give 30 participants of all faiths, fast or take other measures to save during the day, and then donate the proceeds to their local food bank. Skipping a coffee, or a store bought lunch might not seem like a huge sacrifice, but after 30 days the savings are significant. Going into its fourth year the campaign has raised over $250,000 for food banks across the country!
The campaign’s timing couldn’t be better. Give 30 runs at a crucial point for food banks like North York Harvest, as food and fund donations generally hit yearly lows during the summertime. Even a small donation of $20 would be enough to feed 4 children at a youth shelter for an entire month.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a group of friends and make a game plan to save your change over the next month. Bring a home-made sandwich for lunch, brew your own coffee, or ride your bike to work. Your spare change will make a huge impact to a neighbour in need.
Comments Off on Catelli Pasta, Top Chefs & Feeding Hope
Whether you’re an athlete trying to fuel up before the big event, or a family settling in for a good meal, more often than not pasta is a very welcome addition to any dinner table. I know for me, nothing beats cooking up a fresh lasagna with a group of friends, or enjoying warm bowl of spaghetti after a long day. That’s why I was so excited to find out that Catelli Pasta was spearheading a project that would allow pasta lovers like me to expand their cooking horizons with some great new recipes, and support their local food bank at the same time.
The campaign is called Help Us Feed the Hope, and its working to help pasta fans make a difference through their everyday shopping and cooking. Since April, Catelli has been running a coast-to-coast in-store promotion where they donate a serving of pasta to food banks nationally for every box of pasta purchased. “Summer is the slowest donation time for food banks, so this initiative helps the hungry when they need it most”, said Sandra Kim, Director of Marketing for Catelli. “Catelli is pleased to have the opportunity to help Canada’s food banks and make it easier than ever for Canadians across the country to join in the fight against hunger.”
Feed the Hope also centres around a free on-line cookbook named the“Catelli Pasta Boost”. To create the cookbook Catelli teamed up a group of top chefs as well as some of Canada’s Pan Am Games athletes to create recipes that are both delicious, healthy and pack an energy boost. Each time you share the cookbook over Facebook, Catelli will donate one serving of pasta to a local food bank. Incredibly, just a few months into the campaign, Catelli has nearly hit its goal of 1 million servings donated!
We at the North York Harvest got to see the impact of this amazing project first hand yesterday when chef Daniel Schick, executive chef at the King Edward Hotel in Toronto and cook book contributor, stopped by to donate of 13 skids of Pasta on behalf of Catelli. This donation will go a long way towards feeding our neighbours in need, especially during our slower summer months.
Beside the fact that it helped to raise so many meals for our community, the cookbook is a real treat for any adventurous food lover. Recipes for Whole Wheat Linguini with Chicken Confit and Lemon Oil, Tortoglioni with Middle Eastern Chicken, and Wild Salmon Carbonara immediately got my mouth watering. But hey, don’t take my word for, check it out for yourself. It’s free and takes only a few seconds to access.
Help a neighbour and need, and all I need to do is check out a great cook book? Seems like a no brainer right? Head on over to Catelli’s Facebook page and start making a difference today.
