Tag Archive: toronto food bank

1. Getting Social with Volunteering

   March 31, 2017 5:01 am Comments Off on Getting Social with Volunteering

   Did you know that volunteering can be a great way to get out into the community and meet new friends?

   Gord and Bonnie have been dedicated volunteers with North York Harvest since 2015.  Every week they join us in the warehouse to sort food and help new volunteers get the hang of things.  Without them we wouldn’t be able to send out quality products to the food bank network.  You see, a lot of donations come into the warehouse and they need to be sorted for quality and into categories to ensure that food banks get what they need to better serve our community.  This means that dented cans, expired food and other unwanted items don’t make it out the door.

   

   When we have new volunteers join us (such as corporate teams or community groups) Gord and Bonnie are there to share their knowledge which enhances the experience for others.  But they aren’t the only ones teaching people, “Every day is a new learning experience,” says Gord, “So many foods come through here that I have never heard of – and I used to work in the grocery business!  People I sort with teach me about the food and how to use it in new recipes.”

   

   Bonnie and Gord both agree about their favourite part of volunteering at the food bank – meeting people from different walks of life.  “I enjoy meeting people from corporations, schools, seniors’ programs, special needs program and more! Volunteering is a great way to be social!” says Bonnie.

   There are many benefits to becoming a volunteer in your community!  Not only are you helping other people but you will also meet new people, learn new things, keep fit and build confidence. 

   Want to join Gord, Bonnie and hundreds of other people that make a difference in our community?  Learn more about the many volunteer experiences that we have available here!

   What else is amazing about volunteering? Check out 8 Great Reasons to Volunteer!

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2. A Community of Food and Friendship

   March 24, 2017 4:41 am Comments Off on A Community of Food and Friendship

   Community.  Every day I hear the word.  But what does it mean to be a community?  The dictionary defines it as “a social group whose members reside in a specific locality, share government and often have a common cultural and historical heritage”.  Sure, that’s an okay definition but it also sounds pretty boring right?

   At North York Harvest, we focus on community as part of our mission.  It means more than just a boring definition – it means people coming together to make something incredible happen.  It’s about respect, sharing, thoughtfulness and dignity.

   One such community group in the NYH family has shown those incredible qualities and more.

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    I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Norma who resides in Lawrence Heights.  This amazing woman brought her community together and is making a huge impact in the lives of others.  Norma saw a need in her neighbourhood.  She noticed that many of the seniors living in the area survive on very low incomes and, living alone, dealt with fear, depression, rejection and isolation.  She realized that she could make a difference.

   From gardening and grocery shopping, to coming for a visit and having a cup of coffee with them, Norma has been volunteering to support seniors in Lawrence Heights for years. 

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   Quickly she realized she could bring her community together through the joy of food.  When I asked her why food was so important, she told me, “The isolation these seniors feel can cause malnutrition.  They are depressed and lonely so having them get together for a meal nourishes more than their bodies, it nourishes their hearts.  I try to put myself in their shoes.  I hope there is a program for me when I am that age.”

   With the help of her neighbours, she put together a social lunch on Mondays for the seniors in her community.  She reached out to NYH for food support – and because of your generosity, we were able to provide the ingredients for these meals. They were provided with fresh produce, meat, dairy and canned goods.  Your support has also given them the opportunity to start a Wednesday coffee club as well as put on a couple of community barbecues.

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   I didn’t realize that many of the members of this group suffer from strokes, diabetes, mental illness or do not have the ability to cook for themselves. Norma told me how important the lunches and coffee dates are for seniors to get together in a place that is safe and welcoming. 

   “Many of the residents are afraid of getting out there because of their age, vulnerability, illness, mobility, depression or isolation.  This type of activity gets them out of the house so they can interact with others who understand them.  They feel respected.” This is what building community is really about.

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   She told me about the first meal the group had together and they enjoyed chicken noodle soup. They were delighted to enjoy a fresh cooked meal.  “I was almost in tears when a client told me she couldn’t remember the last time she had homemade soup.”  The idea of having a homemade bowl of soup may not seem like much, but to others it can mean the world.

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   As I listened to Norma share, I could hear her passion for these seniors and the role this program plays in their lives.  “At the Canada Day barbecue, one of the seniors known for not being very interactive with others was dancing and having a great time.  Another lady that can barely walk was dancing and holding hands with her son.”

   I asked her how long she’d like to keep this program going – her answer …  FOREVER. Her goal is to continue this program as long as the program has the resources to do so. 

   “We have a social responsibility to our seniors.  We were dependent on our elders as children and one day we will be dependent on others.  Every bit helps. Everyone involved can do wonders.”

   Thanks to your generous support, NYH is able to welcome wonderful initiatives and community programs into our family.  Programs like this prove what a community really is.

   That’s so much more touching than a boring definition.

   To support programs just like this one, please make a gift today!

   
   

    

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3. Donating to the Food Bank

   March 10, 2017 2:53 pm 3 Comments

   Want to make a donation of food but not sure what you should donate?  We are asked that question quite a lot around here.  

   We made a Facebook Live video just to help our incredible donors to learn what foods are needed at the food bank and which items are better left on the shelf (or in the fridge).

   Check it out!

   
   

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4. A Chance to Rebuild

   February 3, 2017 5:27 am Comments Off on A Chance to Rebuild

   

   Guest Blog by Daffodil Davis

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   When you lose everything, where do you turn?

   Each and every day in the food bank I meet people from all walks of life.  Each with their own story to tell.  But even though the story is different, we all have a similar goal in life… to take care of our families.

   I first met Layla when I was working at Oriole Food Space in North York.  She moved to Canada with her family to seek refuge from a home that was no longer safe.

   “Everything was gone. Our home, our jobs, our kids couldn’t go to school anymore. We were scared,” she shared with me.

   She came to Canada and was able to reconnect with members of her extended family already living in our community. Layla and her family were overjoyed with the chance to start anew after a life of uncertainty and fear. “My kids were enrolled in school and my husband was working in a restaurant. It finally seemed as though things were turning around for us.”

   But then the unexpected happened. Her husband suffered a severe heart attack and could no longer work at his restaurant job to support the family.

   Once again, Layla felt like she had lost everything. She had to make sure that her kids had a roof over their head and food in their bellies.  Unsure of how to support her family, she turned to one of her new neighbours for advice.  They told her about her local food bank.  She didn’t even know that such places existed in our community to help her and others in need.

   Because of YOUR support, we are able to help people like Layla to make sure that they have access to nutritious food.  Thank you for making a difference!

   

   _{Daffodil and OFS Volunteers}

   We are also able to help with referrals for other community programs to assist newcomers with their language skills, resume building and child care. 

   Layla had lost many things, but it doesn’t have to mean that it is lost forever. “Because of the food bank, I was able to feed my kids, feel safe and build a new life. I am so grateful.” 

   Together we can help people in need rebuild what was lost.

   As we enter into the coldest months of winter, the food bank shelves will begin to empty.  We need your help to ensure that when families like Layla’s come to the food bank, there will be enough food to share.

   Please give generously today to keep food on our shelves so our neighbours can feed their families. Give today so that this winter none one goes hungry.

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5. A Food Friendly 2017

   January 12, 2017 3:11 am 2 Comments

   

    

    

   Guest Blog by Ryan Noble, Executive Director

    

    

   As we get back into our day to day routines after the holidays, I start thinking about the year that has passed as well as what the new year will offer.

   I am pleased to share with you my highlights of the year as well as the plan for the upcoming months – there is a lot to look forward to and I would love for you to get involved in any way you can!

   Some of my favourite highlights of 2016 really represented the mission of NYH, which includes providing dignified food assistance, education and long-term food solutions.

   A New Home for Lawrence Heights Community Food Space

   Lawrence Heights Community Food Space moved into 6 Pengarth Court. This was truly a community-led initiative: a team from Bombardier Aerospace’s nearby facility came in to freshen the place up with some new paint, which made it really feel like a home. We also strengthened our relationships with local Lawrence Heights community agencies as we were back in the neighbourhood. The I’m Lawrence program helped us out with installing ramps and railings to aid with our accessibility issues.

   We have been more involved with LH related community programming, attending community safety meetings, LHION meetings and forums and bringing the perspective of food security to the community agency table.

   The waiting space in the new site is not as large as it was in our previous location, so we created an appointment system to better manage the flow of clients. This allows more dignified food access for everyone, allowing them a private time to use the food bank, one on one time with volunteers and staff as well as safety from the elements as they will not need to wait outside.

   A Growing Partnership

   Since moving into 116 Industry Street, the Learning Enrichment Foundation and North York Harvest have been committed to strengthening our communities through food and education.
   Last year not just one, but two major programs came out of the partnership.

   Child Care Food Delivery
   As a food bank, NYH transports food to those in need throughout the community. It was only a natural step to join LEF in providing healthy meals to children in childcare. Each day LEF prepares meals and snacks for children from low income families that are in daycare while their parents go to work – and NYH makes sure that the meals reach their destination. Over 1,400 children are served daily through this program.

   Logistics Essentials Program
   Building on our mission to deliver long-term solutions to combat poverty, we put in place a new program to provide technical training and personal development to low income individuals. The course runs for 13 weeks in our warehouse serving the immediate needs of food bank clients through training. Each year 48 people will receive skills and certifications all geared towards securing stable employment upon completion of the course. Stay tuned to hear about the first graduating group of students!

   

   Moving forward with LEF, we will continue working together to lift individuals out of poverty in the city.

   Soup’s On!

   In response to the growing number of individuals that need to use a food bank in our city, we embarked on a new project – to ensure we have a supply of quality food for people that are in need. After consulting with our agencies and clients on their specific food needs, we partnered with Foodshare and Foodstarter, and created a new product – a delicious Moroccan-Style Lentil Soup. This soup is suitable for anyone as it is vegetarian, high in fibre and protein as well as low in calories with no added sugars, salts, flavours, colours or preservatives.

   Together with the help of students and volunteers, we were able to produce a first run of the soup that will be sold by FoodShare. For every soup sold, another will be provided to the food bank, ensuring everyone will have access to a healthy, easy to prepare and delicious meal.
   

   Currently we are looking to partner with a school in order to use the soup production and sale process as part of an educational program. This soup program is community oriented, sustainable and provides a long term food solution to the public.

   Letting People Be Heard

   In 2015 the Toronto Poverty Reduction Strategy was passed during a city council meeting. The goal of the strategy is to address immediate needs such as housing, transportation and food insecurity. I was able to attend a meeting regarding the strategy with NYH Board Chair, Kerry Mitchell to share the perspective of our clients with the mayor and city council. While we work very hard to advocate on behalf of our clients, we also want to establish processes and forums for clients to advocate on their own behalf and share their stories with our city’s decision makers.

   This year we are putting together a Speaker’s Bureau within the North York Harvest Food Bank network. This will enable individuals that are experiencing poverty or living in poverty and using programs such as food banks to have their voice be heard as well as amplify the collective voice of our clients. We hope that this program will educate our community and provide more insight into the lives of those we serve.

   I am truly looking forward to what we have in store for the upcoming year!

   What most interests you about these subjects? Is there something else that we’re missing? Want to get involved? Let YOUR voice be heard and let me know by dropping me an email at ryan@northyorkharvest.com

   Here’s to a food friendly 2017!

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6. An Amazing 2016

   January 6, 2017 5:13 am Comments Off on An Amazing 2016

   Happy New Year!

   Here at NYH we can’t wait to see what 2017 has in store.  Last year was incredible with many accomplishments and celebrations through the joy of food.

   More than 15,000 people were able to meet their food needs each month because of your incredible support.

   We put together a slideshow of some great 2016 memories to share with you!

   Check out the NYH staff top picks for 2016 here!

   Make 2017 the year you get more involved with NYH! Check out these great ways to be a part of the action!

    

   
   
   
   
   

7. Looking Back at 2016

   December 30, 2016 6:36 am Comments Off on Looking Back at 2016

   2016 has come to a close.  It’s been quite the year, hasn’t it?  Whether you had a great year or can’t wait for 2017 to start, we can all agree that a lot has happened over the past 365 days.

   Here at NYH, there has been a lot of excitement and progress over the past year.  We’ve seen many accomplishments and triumphs thanks to our amazing clients, volunteers, donors, staff and supporters!  We wouldn’t have had such a terrific year without YOU!

   I asked my colleagues in the office, warehouse and on the front lines what their favourite memories of 2016 were and got quite an impressive response!

   I considered doing one of those end of year top ten lists but then realized that I can’t decide which is the best one!  So here, in no particular order, are some of the great milestones, achievements and moments from 2016!

   2016 was BIG for programs, partnerships, feedback and healthy eating!

   Of course I couldn’t start off without saying THANK YOU for providing food to people in our community!  This year we served more than 15,000 people every month and distributed over 2.3 MILLION lbs. of food!

   On top of putting food on the table for our neighbours in need, there were many other exciting things happening this year, including:

   Child Care Food Delivery

   This year NYH partnered with Learning Enrichment Foundation to bring healthy meals and snacks to over 1400 kids in childcare programs throughout the city.

   

   Mission Kitchen

   For 3 months this year, NYH was able to run a community kitchen in the Lawrence Heights neighbourhood.  Each week, participants came together to learn cooking skills and enjoy a meal together.  Learn more about Mission Kitchen here!

   

   Food Handling Certificates and Meal Programs

   The Oriole Food Space ran a series of community kitchen programs in partnership with Flemingdon Health Centre and Working Women Community Centre, particularly aimed at Syrian refugees. We trained a group of almost 20 Arabic speaking newcomers in food handling and food safety, necessary skills in securing employment in the food sector.

   

   Soup Production

   This year NYH got into the exciting world of food production! We partnered with FoodShare & Foodstarter to form a unique partnership to produce a soup that would help our community meet their food needs.  With the help of students and volunteers, we were able to produce a dry lentil soup that will be sold through FoodShare’s Good Food Boxes & Grab Some Good pop up markets.  Each soup sold will put a soup on the food bank shelf for someone hungry in the community.

   

   Toronto Star Santa Hampers

   This was first year we were able to distribute a healthier hamper for those receiving the Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund Hampers.  Every hamper included perishable items including eggs, cheese, apples and more!

   

   Farm Fresh

   Many of our clients were able to visit community farms in and around the city to see first hand where some of the fresh and nutritious produce that goes to their table comes from.

   

   Client Surveys

   A comprehensive client survey was conducted in our food banks.  Results are being put together now and will be used to guide future programming to ensure clients receive the best service possible!

    

   Logistics Essentials Workforce Development

   Using our warehouse space, we have embarked on a training program for low income individuals to learn skills for the workplace.  Students will learn technical and employments skills as well as receiving certification for Forklift driving, safe food handling and WHMIS.

   

   Lawrence Heights

   Lawrence Heights Community Food Space found a new home at 6 Pengarth Court. LHCFS is also our first community food space to move to the new appointment based model.  This allows clients to have an appointment at the food bank to ensure less wait time, giving them better access to services and supports, and a personal touch.

   

   Staff Training

   Our frontline staff have had extensive training over the past year in non-violent conflict resolution, working in communities that experience gun violence, trauma informed care, food handlers certificates, developing a community of practice, program development, evaluation and implementation

   

   Advocacy Award

   This year we were honoured with the Advocacy Award from the Ontario Association of Food Banks recognizing our efforts towards addressing hunger in the community.

   

   Donor Recognition

   This year we celebrated our donors at Taylor’s Landing.  It was a great opportunity to connect with some amazing people that are helping us provide our services in the community.

   

    Don’t miss the 2016 wrap up video!

   There are so many other great memories from 2016 and this was only just a few.

   Do you have any highlights of the year? We’d love to know!  Leave your memories in the comment section to share your views!

   Here’s to an even more amazing 2017 helping our community meet their food needs!

    

    

   
   
   
   
   

8. You Make It Happen!

   December 6, 2016 6:14 am Comments Off on You Make It Happen!

   This post is all about YOU and how absolutely GRATEFUL we are to have you in the North York Harvest family!

   YOU make it possible to provide food for your neighbours that would otherwise go hungry.

   YOU come out to volunteer, donate funds, show support and be a part of our community.

   Each month your generosity touches more than 15,000 people in Toronto. Thank you!

   Without YOU we wouldn’t have been able to help your neighbours access food this year.

   This year we shared with you stories from many people.  People who were directly impacted because of you.  And those stories are just the tip of the iceberg!

   

   From Jenna, who started grade four this year and loves science and gym class.  And her mom Trish, who had her hours cut at work.  Trish wasn’t sure how to pay the bills.  YOU ensured that Jenna didn’t go to school hungry!

    

   Your support helped Katherine, a dietician at a prenatal drop in program.  With your help, she was able to teach women about healthy eating on a budget.  YOU ensured that they would be able to feed themselves while they were pregnant and continue to provide nutritious meals as their children grow.

   More than 800 York University students use the campus food bank every week.  YOU made sure that they were able to access the food they needed to help them concentrate on their studies instead of hunger.

   

   Marlene, a volunteer at a local food bank was able to give her neighbours more than just food when they came in hungry.  She was able to connect them with free services throughout the city to help them with parenting classes, recreational activities, resume building and more.

   Over 300 Syrians fleeing war and violence came to the Oriole Food Space after arriving in Canada.  There they have found more than food for their families, but the opportunity for a new life, work, friends and a chance.  A chance they wouldn’t have gotten without your support.

   

   And Jennifer who is only 17 years old.  She found herself pregnant and homeless…instead of her original plan to go off to college and start her career.  YOU made sure she was able to feed herself and her son during these tough times.

   

   These are only some of the people that you helped this year alone!  There are thousands more people that you directly impact through your generosity and support!

    

   We can’t do it without you and we couldn’t imagine trying!

    

   Thank you for all you do – it makes a world of difference – to us and the neighbours that you may never know.