Board and Leadership

Our Impact

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Daily Bread Food Bank is an A+ and five star-rated charity as rated by Charity Intelligence.

Client Visits

In 2022-23, there were over 2.5 million client visits to Daily Bread member food banks.

This a 63% increase compared to the previous year.

• Unique individuals served: 282,051. This is an 88% increase compared to the previous year.
• New unique individuals served: 163,682.This is a 158% increase compared to previous year.

• Gender of Daily Bread member food bank clients:
  • Female 51%
  • Male 45%
  • Unknown 4%
• Age distribution of Daily Bread member food bank clients:
  • 0-18 yrs – 26%
  • 19-44 yrs – 37%
  • 45-64 yrs – 22%
  • 65-100 yrs – 15%

Food Distribution

In 2022-23, Daily Bread delivered nearly 28 million pounds of food.

This is a 50% increase compared to the previous year.

Food bank clients in Toronto

A Rights-based Approach to food

Food is a human right. No one should go hungry or face barriers in accessing the food they need.

As a Rights-Based organization, Daily Bread Food Bank is guided by the following commitments:

1. Providing low-barrier service and equitable access to nutritious food and variety at all food programs.
   • We will facilitate access to food to anyone who needs it, regardless of circumstance, and enable food choice whenever possible. 
2. Providing respectful and dignified customer service at all food programs.
   • We will foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
3. Empowering and prioritizing the people we serve.
   • Our decisions will take into account the lived experience of the individuals we serve.
4. Advocating for the realization of the right to food.
   • We will collaborate with groups and individuals to affirm food as a human right through robust advocacy for policies that encourage government bodies to act on the root causes of poverty. 
5. Fostering a culture that reflects Rights-Based Approach principles and embedding practices in our ways of operating. 
   • From the Board of Directors, leadership, employees to member agencies, we will apply a rights-based lens to our work from governance, strategy, planning, delivery, and evaluation.  
6. Embracing evidence-based decision making across the organization. 
   • We will leverage data, client input, and feedback in decision making processes, and leverage insights to continuously improve our programs, services, and operations. 

Click here to learn about Daily Bread Food Bank’s mission, vision, values, and operating principles.

As part of a Rights-based Approach to food, Daily Bread Food Bank offers clients a shopping model. This is a grocery store style of food distribution, based on family size, that allows clients to choose their food within categories and/or limits. Some may offer a choice between two items (ie. rice or pasta), while others may offer a choice between three out of five items (ie. a choice of grains, client may choose three). Lastly, others provide a points or other system that allows for more customization.

In addition, as part of a response to high volume of clients, some programs also offer the option of a pre-packaged food box on certain days of the week, so those who may have time or other constraints, or those who are waiting for an appointment, may access some essential food staples.

Unique challenges

At Daily Bread Food Bank, we are committed to facilitating food access to those facing hunger and food insecurity. As the number of client visits continues to grow, the support from our community has made it possible to meet the need and ensure that anyone in need of food has a place to turn.

That being said, as a charity meeting an emergency need in the city, we have also had to face a number of unique challenges:

Decrease in food donations: The impact of rising food costs and inflation has been felt by everyone – not just those facing food insecurity. In 2022-2023, Daily Bread saw a decrease in food donations of 1 million lbs., which impacted our overall food purchasing budget. Our food purchasing budget has already seen a substantial increase from pre-pandemic numbers from $1.5 million to $22 million.

Toronto traffic and delivery times: Congestion and heavy traffic in Toronto has impacted agency delivery windows, and the number of deliveries we are able to complete in one day. To mitigate some of these issues, we increased the size of our fleet and assessed and adjusted agency delivery windows where necessary. Additionally, driver shifts were adjusted to an earlier start time.

Canada Disability Benefit: Daily Bread, along with a coalition of 40+ organizations across the country, advocated for a fully funded Canada Disability Benefit. Because of these efforts, in April 2024, the government took an important first step in the right direction by launching the Canada Disability Benefit in the 2024 Budget. A total of $6.1 billion were allocated to the program over a period of six years, to be available to an estimated 600,000 Canadians starting July 2025. However, according to new numbers released by the federal government in June, it is now expected that only about 25,000 working-age persons with disabilities will be lifted out of poverty by 2028.  People with disabilities face a poverty rate twice as high as the rest of Canada and are severely impacted by the growing cost-of-living crisis. One in seven people who access food banks nationally rely on provincial disability income supports. In many provinces, this means living more than $800 below the poverty line each month. Daily Bread Food Bank remains committed to advocating for a Canada Disability Benefit that brings recipients above the poverty line, is free from claw backs, and operates from a broad and inclusive definition of disability.

Programs and Services

Daily Bread is a member-based organization providing food to 207 food programs at 132 agencies across Toronto, including: food bank programs; meal, snack, tenant, breakfast and pre-natal programs. Click here  to learn more.

In 2023 Daily Bread welcomed three new members to the network:

• TAIBU – Empringham Food Bank: Serves the Empringham community – a large complex of over 150 Toronto Community Housing townhomes with a high need for accessible, community-driven food access. Focuses on creating sustainable, transparent, and equitable food distribution, the program empowers the community by facilitating cross-generational connection and fostering a greater sense of involvement.
• Toronto Perth SDA: Offers on-site hamper distribution and food delivery from their North Etobicoke location. The team serves approximately 3,000 visits each month and also offers a choice model, so clients can shop for their needs. Additionally, they offer customized deliveries to community members each week.
• St. Stephens in the Fields: Offers a safe space and low-barrier access to services for vulnerable community members. Daily Bread provides ready-to-eat meals for their on-site meal program.

Daily Bread provides a variety of training programs to our network of member agencies, including safe food handling, information and referral services, crisis prevention and anti-oppression practices.

In addition, Daily Bread provides information and referrals to connect clients to services such as dental and vision care, mental health, housing supports, newcomer settlement services, employment supports.

Operating from our distribution center at 191 New Toronto Street, the Community Meal Program provides nourishing, warm meals to families and individuals experiencing hunger, and those who may not benefit from traditional food bank service due to lack of access to a kitchen, cooking tools, or other barriers to food preparation. Alongside a nourishing dinner—and as part of a rights-based approach to service—this program also provides information and referrals services for guests who experience hardships beyond hunger and would benefit from additional resources relating to housing, employment and more.

Daily Bread kitchen

The Daily Bread kitchen is always buzzing with dedicated volunteers and staff, preparing hearty, nutritious meals to meet the needs and preferences of our clients.

In 2022-2023, a total of 219,624 individual meals in the Daily Bread kitchen – this is a combination of nutritious soups and casseroles for meal programs across the city. This includes a total of 23,682 distributed in partnership with the Red Cross Mobile Food Bank and Isolation program, which delivers ready-to-eat meals to individuals not able to access traditional food bank/meal programs due to health, mobility and/or other challenges.

Currently, Red Cross delivers food bank style groceries to people who have been medically assessed and have been determined to not be able to access traditional food programs. However, food bank style food such as uncooked food, canned, and even fresh produce, often does not meet the particular needs of individuals with intersecting issues such living in a rooming house without adequate cooking facilities, difficulties associated with health conditions that make mobility an issue, or mental health issues that can make preparing a meal a challenge. Using our food production resources, our kitchen team prepares single-serve, frozen meals, which are then be delivered by Red Cross to their client base at no cost.

Research and Advocacy

Conducting in-depth, timely research is critical to Daily Bread Food Bank’s mission. Our advocacy strategy focuses in three key areas:

1. Income supports: to ensure that every person in our city has enough income to live in dignity and afford their basic needs, including food.
2. Affordable housing: to ensure that everyone can afford a safe and decent place to live, without having to choose between rent and feeding themselves, or their families.
3. Decent work: to ensure that those who are able to work, can have secure employment that provides adequate wages and benefits.

Each year, Daily Bread develops key research projects to advocate for systemic change to end poverty. Here are a few highlights:

• Who’s Hungry 2023
• Click / Hear Quick Take Reports
  • International Student Hunger
  • The Depths of Debt of Food Bank Clients
  • Short Changed: Tax Filing and Benefits
• Canadians’ Views on the Canada Disability Benefit – Study in partnership with Angus Reid Institute and Disability Without Poverty

Advocacy in Action:  

In 2023, Daily Bread continued to step up advocacy efforts calling for an end to poverty and food insecurity. Here is a summary of what we accomplished:

Key advocacy campaign: Fundthebenefit.ca – Canada Disability Benefit

Daily Bread Food Bank partnered with a coalition of 40+ organizations across the country to advocate for a fully funded Canada Disability Benefit. Passed into law in June 2023, Bill C-22: The Canada Disability Benefit Act was a promising piece of legislation with the potential to greatly reduce poverty among adults, 18-65 years of age, living with disabilities.

People with disabilities face a poverty rate twice as high as the rest of Canada, and are severely impacted by the growing affordability and cost-of-living crisis. One in seven people who access food banks nationally rely on provincial disability income supports. In many provinces, this means living more than $800 below the poverty line each month.

The fundthebenefit.ca campaign ran from November 2023-May 2024, and reached over 1.43 million Canadians through an integrated approach of digital and traditional media, as well as email communications. A total of 140,000 letters were sent to MPs across the country, urging them to prioritize and fund this benefit in the 2024 Budget. The campaign was a collaboration among disability advocates and organizations, and food banks across the country, including March of Dimes Canada, Disability without Poverty, and many more. Our earned media efforts accumulated a national reach of over 300 million.

In April 2024, the government took an important first step in the right direction by launching the Canada Disability Benefit in the 2024 Budget. A total of $6.1 billion were allocated to the program over a period of six years, to be available to an estimated 600,000 Canadians starting July 2025. Eligibility for this program has been set to Canadians with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate. Additionally, the program will be capped at $2,400 per year for each recipient, which equates to $200 per month. This commitment signaled that the government heard the countless calls for urgent action from Daily Bread, our partners and thousands of Canadians – however, there still remains a clear need for the benefit to be fully funded.

We know that additional funding and increased eligibility are imperative to ensure that those who need this support can effectively access it. Daily Bread Food Bank remains committed to advocating for a Canada Disability Benefit that brings recipients above the poverty line, is free from claw backs, and operates from a broad and inclusive definition of disability.

Other advocacy highlights:

• Food inflation at the House of Commons: On March 2023, Neil Hetherington, CEO, Daily Bread Food Bank, testified to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food on food inflation and its impact on food insecurity. During his testimony, Neil highlighted the gaps in our social safety net, particularly for single individuals who have very few income supports available to them beyond social assistance, where rates fall below the deep poverty line in every province.
• Emergency call to action in the face of food insecurity crisis: On April 4, 2023, Daily Bread held a press conference to share the deeply disturbing number of client visits in the month of March 2023 – close to 270,000 in a single month. Standing side-by-side with members, we called for government to address the food insecurity crisis.
• Toronto’s first Mayoral Debate: On May 15, 2023, Daily Bread hosted the first televised debate of the Toronto mayoral by-election campaign. In attendance were Ana Bailão, Brad Bradford, Olivia Chow, Mitzie Hunter, and Josh Matlow.
• Federal Grocery Rebate: On May 17, 2023, Daily Bread CEO Neil Hetherington testified to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance about the recently announced Federal Grocery Rebate – a GST/HST credit top-up meant to provide moderate-to-low-income households up to $234 for single Canadians, and up to $467 for families of four. Neil spoke about the realities faced by food bank clients living in poverty and clearly addressed that although this type of top-up is helpful, long-term sustained investments in income supports, affordable housing, and decent work are needed to eliminate poverty and food insecurity.

Key learnings

Grassroots Capacity Building Program:

In 2023, Daily Bread Food Bank invested in the health, capacity, and sustainability of four key grassroots member agencies that are delivering vital food security programs through the Grassroots Capacity Building Program.  

Allan Gardens Food Bank, Emmanuel Life Management Centre, Canadian South Asian Growth and Support Services (CSAGSS) and SOSO World Ministries took part in a pilot project aimed at strengthening and growing their capacities. These agencies received on-site mentorship, customized networking opportunities and fundraising coaching, finishing the program with tools and resources like three-year strategic plans and more robust government structures.

The results clearly demonstrated that investing in the capacity of grassroots organizations results in a more resilient and sustainable food bank network overall. In the upcoming year, Daily Bread will conduct similar activities with current members to strengthen smaller organizations playing impactful roles within the network.

Neighbourhood Action Networks:

After successful pilots in Scarborough and Etobicoke in 2022, Neighbourhood Action Networks are now expanded across the entire Daily Bread membership. Animated by Daily Bread staff, these virtual communities facilitate resource and knowledge exchange, foster peer-to-peer learning, strengthen partnerships, and provide opportunities for agency discussion on a hyper-local level.

These networks will allow members to self-organize, talk about the trends they’re seeing, and connect with policymakers to guide change.  

Client Preferences Survey:

Daily Bread Food Bank follows a Rights-Based approach to food distribution and service. We believe client voices must inform organizational decisions. One of our key 2024 Strategic Goals is to ensure that all clients will have access to three days worth of food per weekly visit, based on redesigned offerings, guided by client preferences.

This past year, a client preferences survey was developed to gather information from member agencies about their community’s food needs. Over one thousand clients at thirty-one food banks were asked to complete this in-person survey to gather quantitative and qualitative data that will help inform decisions about the foods Daily Bread should be procuring.

Over the next two years, we will be undertaking a transformation in our food procurement and distribution practices to better align with client preferences where possible.

Canada’s Food Guide Servings Project:

The Canada’s Food Guide Servings Project supports Daily Bread Food Bank’s commitment to providing nourishing food that aligns with public health recommendations and provides context for which foods and beverages to procure, prioritize, and distribute.

This project addresses three specific goals:

1. The latest Canada’s Food Guide, released in 2019, does not provide guidance around daily servings in a balanced plate. This makes it challenging for Daily Bread to procure food in proportions that meet the guide’s recommendations. Through this project, we will create a general model that approximates the intent of the 2019 Canada’s Food Guide in the metric of servings per day.
2. Review Daily Bread’s “primary/core” food categories (grains, dairy, protein, vegetables, and fruit) to ensure current product offerings are providing the best nutritional quality, and make recommendations on healthy product offerings and alternatives. Additionally, review Daily Bread’s secondary categories to rate nutritional value and to identify products that are recommended to not be distributed.
3. Make recommendations about preferred food mix and format within food categories.

The recommendations will apply to purchased foods, planned procurement, as well as donated foods.

Nutrition choices have a significant impact on health. Those facing food insecurity and low socio-economic status may have a disproportionate burden and increased risk of chronic health issues. A move towards nutritionally focused service will help to improve access to healthier food choices, address inequities in eating, and help to prevent nutrition-related health challenges.

Cold Chain Temperature Study:

As part of our commitment to providing quality, respectful, and dignified service at all food programs, a study was completed to assess all the steps in Daily Bread Food Bank’s cold chain. The goal of this study was to ensure the highest quality control when it comes to temperature storage requirements for various food products.

This study provided insights in the following areas:

• Risk mitigation: Regulatory compliance, consumer safety, and waste reduction.
• Freshness assessment: Monitoring and sustaining product integrity.
• General operating procedures: Monitoring temperature and humidity data.

Regular review and continuous improvement on current processes ensures food safety and high-quality products for clients visiting Daily Bread food programs.

Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures

In 2023 Daily Bread Food Bank was named one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures by Waterstone Human Capital.

The national list includes ten organizations in the broader public sector, as chosen by Waterstone’s board of governors.

All organizations are evaluated through six categories: vision and leadership, recruitment and hiring for fit, cultural alignment and measurement, retention, rewards and recognition, organizational performance and corporate social responsibility.

Financials

July, 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023

*Revenue and Expenses illustrated before Other Items which includes investment income of $211,493 and an unrealized fair value gain on investments of $1,817,459.

To review full audited statements, please click here.

The wages and benefits paid to each of Daily Bread Food Bank’s full-time staff meet the requirements of the Ontario Living Wage Network. For more information, visit www.ontariolivingwage.ca.

Read our Annual Impact Report
and Financial Statements.

Read our Annual Impact Report 2023 and audited financial statements.

Member Agencies

Daily Bread Food Bank’s network consists of 132 agencies and 207 food programs.

We work hard to provide the best support to meet the needs of our diverse membership and the communities they serve. Together, we facilitate dignified, low-barrier food access to adults, seniors, and children experiencing food insecurity.

Breakfast Programs

Breakfast programs serve a sit-down light breakfast to their community.

Food Banks

Food bank programs distribute up to 3 days of grocery items (fresh and canned) to their communities. Clients can go to any food bank in the network once per week.

Meal Programs

Meal programs serve a prepared meal to their community.

Prenatal Programs

Prenatal programs distribute grocery items (fresh and shelf-stable) to expecting parents and those with children 5 years and under, within their specific community.

Snack Programs

Snack programs serve portable snack items that are quick and easy to eat (i.e., granola bars, cookies, etc.).

Tenant Programs

Tenant programs are tenant-led and distribute grocery items (mainly shelf-stable) to members within their specific community.

(132)

There are currently 132 member agencies.

A

Abiona Centre (formerly Massey Centre and Humewood House)

Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services

Agincourt Community Services Association (ACSA)

All Saints Church Community Centre

Allan Gardens Food Bank

Alpha House

ArtHeart Community Art Centre

Avenue Road Food Bank

B

Beach Interfaith Outreach Program

Bethany Baptist Church Food Bank

Bethlehem United Church of Jesus Christ

Bloor West Food Bank

Bluffs Food Bank

Braeburn Neighbourhood Place

Breakaway Community Services

Brimley Acres – City of Toronto Supportive Housing

C

Canadian Red Cross

Canadian South Asian Growth & Support Services

Centennial College Student Association Inc.

Centre for Immigrant and Community Services (CICS)

Christ Church St James Anglican Church Food Pantry

Christie Ossington Neighbourhood Centre

Christie Refugee Welcome Centre

Church of the Holy Trinity

Church of the Redeemer

Churches on-the-Hill Food Bank

College-Montrose Children’s Place

Community Living

Cooper Mills-Gooch Community Food Bank

COSTI

Covenant House

Creating Together Child and Family Centre

D

Dr. Roz’s Healing Place

E

East End United Regional Ministry

Eastview Neighbourhood Community Centre

Emmanuel Life Management Center – Chester Le Food Bank

Emmanuel Life Management Center – Roywood Food Bank

Emmanuel Life Management Center – VP and Sheppard Food Bank

Empringham Food Bank

Etobicoke Support Services

Eva’s Initiatives for Homeless Youth

Evangel Hall Mission

F

Feed Scarborough – Cliffside Food Bank

Feed Scarborough – Markham Road Food Bank

Feed Scarborough – Oakridge Food Bank

Feed Scarborough – Rouge Park Food Bank

Feed Scarborough – Clairlea Food Bank

Flemingdon Park Community Food Bank

Food Pantry at Morningside

Fort York Food Bank

Franklin Horner Community Centre

Fred Victor

Friends of Jesus Christ Food Bank

Friendship Food Program

G

Glow and Rejoice (formerly Women Pray International)

Good Shepherd Ministries

Grace Pascoe Care Centre – Calvary Food Bank

Grace Place Food Bank

Grantfull Food and Fellowship Food Bank and Soup Kitchen

H

Haven on the Queensway

Haven Toronto

Hillcrest Community Food Bank

Holy Wisdom Food Bank @ Brimley and Lawrence

Homes First Society

House of Compassion

Houselink & Mainstay Community Housing

The Housing Help Centre

J

Jane Alliance Neighbourhood Services – Thinking of Elders Mobile Food Bank

John Howard Society

Julliette’s Place (Homeward Family Shelter)

Juliette’s Place Food Bank

K

Kingsview Eats Food Bank

L

LAMP Community Health Centre

Living Word Food Bank

LOFT Community Services

Lourdes Food Bank

M

Mabelle Food Program

Malvern Food Bank

Margaret’s Housing & Community Support

Meadowvale East Apostolic Church Food Bank

Midaynta – Capri Food Bank

Monsignor Fraser College

Mount Dennis Community Food Bank

Mount Olive Food Bank

N

Native Canadian Centre of Toronto

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto

Native Men’s Residence

Native Women’s Resource Centre

The Neighbourhood Group

Nellie’s Shelter

New Toronto Street Food Bank

Norseman Community Food Bank

Nourish East End

O

Oasis Dufferin Community Centre

OneChurch.to Food Bank

Our Saviour Lutheran Church Food Bank

P

Parent Resources Centre

Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre (PARC)

Parkdale Community Food Bank

Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre

S

Sanctuary Toronto

Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities

Scott Mission

Sistering

Sojourn House

SOSO World Ministries – Glen Everest Food Bank

SOSO World Ministries – McCowan Food Bank

SOSO World Ministries – Warden Avenue Food Bank

South Asian Women’s Centre

Spadina Fort York Community Care

SPAFYCC – Waterfront

St. Ann Parish Food Bank

St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church

St. Felix Centre

St. James Food Basket

St. John the Compassionate Mission

St. Margaret, New Toronto

St. Michael’s Homes

St. Stephen-in-the-Fields

St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church

Staff of Life Food Bank

The Stop Community Food Centre

Student Association of George Brown College – SNAP

Syme Family Food Bank

Syme Woolner Neighbourhood and Family Centre

T

Teesdale Place Food Bank

The Four Villages Community Health Centre

The Lighthouse

Thorncliffe Food Bank

TNO – The Neighbourhood Organization Food Collaborative

Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre

Toronto East Seven Day Adventist Church Food Bank

Toronto Metropolitan University Students’ Union

Toronto People with AIDS Foundation

Toronto Perth Seventh-day Adventist Church Food Bank

Toronto West Seventh-Day Adventist Church Food Bank

Transition House

Tropicana Community Food Bank

Turning Point Youth Services

Tuxedo Court Food Bank

U

University of Toronto Scarborough Campus Students’ Union

University of Toronto Students’ Union

V

Ve’ahavta

W

Warden Woods Community Centre

West Hill Community Food Bank

Weston King Neighbourhood Centre

Westway Christian Church Food Bank

Women’s Habitat Outreach

Women’s Health in Women’s Hands

WoodGreen Community Services

Y

YMCA Town Centre Food Bank

YMCA Tapscott Food Program

Yonge Street Mission

YWCA Toronto

2023 Best in Class Awards

Daily Bread’s Best in Class Awards are an annual celebration recognizing individuals and organizations who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to ending hunger in Toronto.

Though the demand for our services continues to increase – with recent visits across our networks reaching a record high of 274,000 this past August – one constant has remained, the unwavering support of the volunteers, farms, corporations, foundations, donors and member agencies who stand with us in our mission to eliminate food insecurity and advocate for solutions to end poverty.

This year’s awards took place on October 2, 2023, at the National Yacht Club. The venue’s views of the Toronto skyline were the perfect backdrop for an evening recognizing the efforts of nominees that came from across the city. We were honoured to welcome Gurdeep Ahluwalia, of 98.1 CHFI’s The Pooja and Gurdeep Show, who served once again as our co-host alongside Neil Hetherington, CEO of the Daily Bread Food Bank.

On behalf of all of us at Daily Bread, we would like to extend our congratulations and recognition to the following Best in Class Award recipients and nominees across all 12 categories:

Lifetime Achivement

Dr. Valerie Tarasuk was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award. Dr. Tarasuk is the co-founder of PROOF, a multidisciplinary research centre housed at the University of Toronto. Dr. Tarasuk has published some of the most influential publications regarding food insecurity in Canada, and her work has shown the direct relationship between income benefits and food insecurity, directly influencing Daily Bread’s advocacy along with the food security sector. As a former Daily Bread Board member, Dr. Tarasuk has been a key partner to the Research & Advocacy team, providing input and guidance on research projects.

Harvest Hero

UHC – Hub of Opportunities was the recipient of this year’s Harvest Hero award. This organization has worked with the greenhouse vegetable growing industry of Leamington, Ontario, and supplies multiple food bank locations with produce on a weekly basis. They have generously contributed over 900,000 pounds of produce a year to Daily Bread Food Bank, to ensure that clients have access to fresh greenhouse vegetables.

Food Industry Trailblazer

Riverside Natural Foods was the recipient of the Food Industry Trailblazer award. Since 2020, they have donated just under 100,000 pounds of granolas and cereals to Daily Bread. In the face of rising food bank numbers, Riverside approached Daily Bread to find new and innovative ways of partnership, resulting in the creation of a new product donation stream which sees bulk granola excess from production collected and sent to Daily Bread for repackaging.

Congratulations to Hello Fresh and Burnac Produce for their nominations.

Corporate Leader

The Corporate Leader award went to Takeda Canada. They are proud supporters of their local communities and have generously donated to Daily Bread over the last three years. Each year they organize a ‘Day of Service’ at Daily Bread, which allows their employees an opportunity to give back and learn more about the incredible impact their donations and volunteerism have in helping us meet the needs of so many.

Congratulations to Orlando Corporation and Grant Thornton Foundation for their nominations.

Workplace Champion

The recipient of the Workplace Champion award was Ontario Education Collaborative Marketplace (OECM). Since partnering with Daily Bread, OECM and its employees have provided their support through their holiday fundraising drive, their internal “Family Day” event for employees, and their annual golf tournament. OECM has continuously sought new ways to empower their employees to support our cause and has donated over $20,000 to Daily Bread over the last eight months.

Congratulations to PAC Building Group and Enterprise for their nominations.

Community Leader

The Chef Upstairs was the recipient of this year’s Community Leader award. On May 27, 2023, they teamed up with Rooks to Cooks for an afternoon of friendly competition in the Daily Bread kitchen. The event, “Get Fed Up!”, saw professional chefs and nearly 100 sous chefs (who were kids) work together to prepare more than 1,100 healthy and delicious meals that were distributed to clients at nearby agencies. Event participants and sponsors also raised nearly $18,000 to support Daily Bread’s programs.

Congratulations to Rockin’ Raccoon Ride and CP Holiday Train for their nominations.

Outstanding Food Program

Congratulations to Fort York Food Bank, the award recipient of the 2023 Outstanding Food Program. The team at Fort York Food Bank has risen to the challenge of increased food bank use, serving more than 5 times as many people than before the pandemic. Though their space is small, the team at Fort York Food Bank is committed to providing a dignified shopping experience for the community with a low-barrier lens. 

Congratulations to Ve’ahavta and MABELLEpantry by MABELLEarts for their nominations.

Profound Community Impact

Spadina Fort York Community Care was the recipient of the 2023 Profound Community Impact award. They run multiple food programs in high needs areas of downtown Toronto. Their deep knowledge of creating respectful and safer spaces for people navigating complex poverty-related issues brings food access to people not often reached by traditional food banks. Their mission is to bring hope, dignity, humanity and care while providing individuals in need with meals, groceries, and hygiene supply kits.  

Congratulations to Feed Scarborough and Parkdale Community Food Bank for their nominations.

Commitment to Equity

This year, the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation was the recipient of the Commitment to Equity award. With equity built into their lens, staff and volunteers at Toronto People with AIDS Foundation are committed to fostering trusting relationships and building deep-rooted connections with their community. For over a decade, clients have been able to shop at the Essentials Market with dignity, selecting nutritious items that best meet their needs in a warm and welcoming environment.

Congratulations to St. Stephen-in-the-Fields and The Stop Community Food Centre for their nominations.

Exceptional Volunteer

Karen Harris was this year’s recipient of the Exceptional Volunteer award. Karen volunteers on a daily basis as a food sorter in the Daily Bread Production Hall and has made a real impression on everyone who works alongside her. She acts as Table Captain any time one is needed, guiding the lane’s team to great quality work. Additionally, Karen acts as a mentor to volunteers who need a little extra support and offers gentle coaching and guidance to help them realize success in their volunteer roles.

Congratulations to Róisín Stewart and The Hammer Heads for their nominations.

Champions of Change

The ODSP Action Coalition was the recipient of a new award, Champions of Change. Co-Chairs, Andrea, Trevor, and Ron have provided invaluable expertise in developing position statements, submissions to the House of Commons and the Senate regarding the Canada Disability Benefit and improving ODSP policies. By bringing their lived experiences into their advocacy and working collaboratively with organizations like Daily Bread, they are actively fighting to eliminate poverty and food insecurity in Toronto.

Congratulations to Dr. Michael Widener and Ontario for All for their nominations.

Outstanding Philanthropist

The Outstanding Philanthropist award went to The Sprott Foundation. For over 20 years, The Sprott Foundation has been unwavering in its support of Daily Bread Food Bank. This past year, they made a generous $1 million dollar donation to Daily Bread, allowing us to expand our reach to better serve the community. The Sprott Foundation’s long-standing partnership has been an integral part of our ability to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those facing food insecurity, while also inspiring others to give.

Thank you to all the deserving nominees and award recipients for celebrating with us. We’re so grateful for your remarkable commitment to alleviating hunger and poverty in Toronto through volunteerism, corporate social responsibility, workplace fundraising, community engagement and crucial food bank and frontline services.

You can see the full album of photos from the Best in Class Awards by clicking here.

Food Pantry at Morningside: A food bank for the community, run by the community.

Situated in Scarborough, Food Pantry at Morningside has become a small but lively community hub in the Toronto Community Housing Complex from which it operates. Serving more than 600 individuals each month, the food bank has been thriving since its inception in the summer of 2016.

Founder Manjura Rehman is also a volunteer who takes her role and commitment to supporting community that her organization CSAGSS (Canadian South Asian Growth & Support Services) believes in, very strongly. As Executive Director of CSAGSS, and a member of the Mornelle community where the Food Pantry at Morningside is located, Manjura recognized her community’s need for food and other supportive resources, and decided to act.

She understood that food not only nourishes the body, but also brings people together. She encouraged the local community to get involved in running the program and now Food Pantry is primarily run by TCHC residents and clients looking to give back to the community that they’re a part of. She initiated a program evaluation process that involved the community in the creation of the questions used to evaluate the program to include as many voices as possible. They are meeting needs and investing in their community by feeding people, creating bridges across communities and fostering leadership in volunteers and clients.

To further involve different stakeholders in decision-making and increase transparency, CSAGSS established an advisory body that includes representatives from TCHC & Working Women Community Centre, as well as five Mornelle residents. This advisory committee meets twice a year to support CSAGSS in monitoring program direction and operations. Manjura also mentored a passionate resident and community leader, Heba, to work alongside her providing intake support for their Arabic speaking newcomers, and eventually take over coordination of the program.

Part of Food Pantry’s success has been driven by their efforts to actively build relationships outside of the program with TCHC staff, the area’s Community Development Officer, Scarborough U of T, other local agencies providing support, and local businesses that supply excess food. The relationship Daily Bread and CSAGSS built with TCHC was so important that it led to the opening of two more Daily Bread Member Agencies – food banks – in TCHC buildings in Scarborough, allowing us to bring food directly to high-needs communities.

As part of Daily Bread’s 20/20 Vision initiative to bring 20% more food to 20 high-priority neighbourhoods, this community was also selected as one of the locations for our Mobile Food Market, which distributed thousands of pounds of fresh produce directly from farms to communities during the summer of 2018. In only two short years, Manjura and her dedicated team have brought food, supports and attention to the needs of their community and we can’t wait to see what they do next!

Best in Class Awards

Our Best in Class Awards celebrate those who passionately and actively support the fight to end hunger in Toronto. 

Congratulations to the 2024 nominees! We’ll be announcing award recipients at the Best in Class event on Monday, September 30.

DESCRIPTION

THE AWARD

AWARD RECIPIENT

NOMINEES

 

Operational Impact

THE AWARD

The Operational Impact award celebrates innovation and exceptional leadership that has led to measurable, positive impacts to Daily Bread's operations. Through their efforts, the recipient of this award has empowered Daily Bread to work more efficiently and continue to meet the needs of clients across the city.

AWARD RECIPIENT

NOMINEES

The Poirier Group

Polaris Global Logistics

Riverside Natural Foods Ltd.

Outstanding Food Program

THE AWARD

The Outstanding Food Program award recognizes a community agency in Toronto that has made significant efforts to implement Rights-based practices within their program, to ensure all clients are served with dignity and respect in a welcoming and supportive environment. The Outstanding Food Program embodies inclusivity with a volunteer cohort that reflects the community they serve.

AWARD RECIPIENT

NOMINEES

Christie Ossington Neighbourhood Centre

Parkdale Community Food Bank

Bloor West Food Bank

Profound Community Impact

THE AWARD

The Profound Community Impact award recognizes a food program committed to increasing food access to underserved communities. The recipient of this award deeply understands the needs of clients and has shown courage and resourcefulness in overcoming barriers to running a large food program.

AWARD RECIPIENT

NOMINEES

Mabelle Food Program – Islington United Church

Holy Wisdom Food Bank

Canadian Red Cross

Workplace Champion

THE AWARD

The Workplace Champion award recognizes an employee group who has raised awareness about food insecurity by organizing a workplace fundraiser, event, or campaign. The Workplace Champion mobilizes their employee base through innovative and impactful initiatives, resulting in a wider network of people committed to social change.

AWARD RECIPIENT

NOMINEES

Liftow Ltd.- Toyota Material Handling

Metro Cable Association

Acrisure Re Canada Ltd

Food Industry Trailblazer

THE AWARD

The Food Industry Trailblazer award recognizes a company from the food industry sector that has made outstanding contributions of most-needed food items to our programs. The Food Industry Trailblazer regularly invests in healthier communities by donating essentials to neighbours in need.

AWARD RECIPIENT

NOMINEES

Dole Packaged Foods

Post Consumer Brands

Commitment to Equity

THE AWARD

The Commitment to Equity award recognizes a food program that demonstrates extraordinary efforts to maintain equity when serving clients. The recipient of this award recognizes that we do not all start from the same place. They are deeply committed to understanding their clients’ particular circumstances to meet their needs as best as possible and invest in building trusting relationships.

AWARD RECIPIENT

NOMINEES

Corner Drop-in – TNG Community Services

Bethany Baptist Church Food Bank

Mount Olive Food Bank

Community Leader

THE AWARD

The Community Leader award recognizes an individual or group who has raised awareness about food insecurity by creating and organizing a community fundraiser, event, or campaign. The Community Leader mobilizes support and engagement and shows leadership by creating a network of advocates for the cause.

AWARD RECIPIENT

NOMINEES

Markland Woods Homeowners Association

Purolator

Pitched Perfect Events

Exceptional Volunteer

THE AWARD

The Exceptional Volunteer Award recognizes an individual or group who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to Daily Bread’s mission through volunteerism. Our nominees have made a significant impact by donating their time, valuable skills, and expertise.

AWARD RECIPIENT

NOMINEES

Cathy Halvorson

Lorie Scarfarotti

Wendy Deacon

Champion of Change

THE AWARD

A new award this year, the Champion of Change Award recognizes an individual or group who is committed to eliminating food insecurity and ending poverty in our city through strong research and public policy. The recipient of this award puts evidence into action to advance social change and works collaboratively to achieve the Right to Food in Canada.

AWARD RECIPIENT

NOMINEES

Income Security Advocacy Centre (ISAC)

Social Planning Toronto (SPT)

Disability Without Poverty (DwP)

Corporate Leader

THE AWARD

The Corporate Leader award recognizes a company or corporate foundation that has demonstrated a commitment to corporate social responsibility by donating funds, employee volunteerism, and raising awareness of hunger and poverty issues in our city.

AWARD RECIPIENT

NOMINEES

Royal Gold Corporation

Next Supply

ON-TEK Electrical Services

Questions?

Please contact Cassie Lueders, Senior Development Officer, Corporate and Community Partnerships at [email protected]

2022 Best in Class Awards

On September 20, 2022, we held the Best in Class Awards, an annual celebration of extraordinary commitment to the fight against hunger in Toronto.  

While recent food-insecurity numbers have been sobering, this night was inspirational. We were surrounded by individuals and organizations that have been working tirelessly to end hunger in our city, and everyone lifted each other up. “Together we need to advocate, to speak up, to make changes, so that we can actually combat food insecurity in our city,” said Lee Soda, executive director of Agincourt Community Services Association, while accepting the award for Outstanding Food Program. “Hope lives in this room tonight.” 

We held the event at Great Lakes Brewpub, which offered guests top-notch drinks and food, and were honoured to have Gurdeep Ahluwalia, of 98.1 CHFI’s The Pooja and Gurdeep Show, volunteer his time and host the awards alongside CEO Neil Hetherington.  

The night was filled with well-deserved congratulations. All of us at Daily Bread would like to recognize the following 2022 Best in Class Award recipients and nominees: 

Harvest Hero 

Rose Family Farm, a new donor in the Farm-to-Food Bank program, won this year’s Harvest Hero award. They generously contributed over 300,000 pounds of fresh-from-the-farm potatoes to Daily Bread Food Bank, greatly offsetting our food-purchasing costs on this much needed staple and helping ensure clients had access to fresh produce. 

Congratulations to R Tindall Produce as well on their nomination! 

Food Industry Trailblazer 

Italpasta, this year’s Food Industry Trailblazer, committed over 500,000 pounds of pasta and sauces to help Daily Bread keep up with the significant increase in client visits during the COVID-19 crisis. And, thanks to a unique transportation partnership with the Highland Creek Community Association, the product was shipped to Daily Bread at no cost to our organization.  

Congratulations to Daiya Foods and Metro Distribution as well for their nominations! 

Corporate Leader 

Yardi Canada Ltd is our 2022 Corporate Leader. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has been a strong supporter of Daily Bread. In addition to a generous annual corporate donation, Yardi stepped up to be the matching sponsor for our 2021 Giving Tuesday campaign, which raised over $140,000.  

Congratulations to Cortland Credit and Icon Insulation as well for their nominations! 

Workplace Champion 

Bravo to Slalom Consulting, this year’s Workplace Champion. The company has been a major supporter of Daily Bread since 2016 through their annual workplace fundraiser. Since the onset of COVID, the team at Slalom has demonstrated innovation by re-imagining their campaign each year, first moving into the virtual space and then using a hybrid model, keeping the best virtual elements of the campaign while safely resuming select in-person activities. The result this past spring was more than $33,000 raised, their highest total since 2019.  

Congratulations to Klick Health and Hepburn Engineering as well on their nominations! 

Community Leader 

The Junction Residents Association’s vision is a healthy, caring and vibrant community where all people can thrive. The JRA organizes a large-scale community food drive that has grown to become a well-oiled machine that mobilizes dozens of volunteer street captains. Among our largest community-led drives, the JRA’s most recent Thanksgiving and Easter campaigns combined to raise nearly 30,000 lbs. of non-perishable food donations. This wonderful model of community engagement serves as a blueprint for other neighbourhoods to replicate.  

Congratulations to Malvern Onyx Lions Club and the Old Toronto Series as well on their nominations! 

Outstanding Food Program 

The winner of this year’s Outstanding Food Program is Agincourt Community Services Association (ACSA). Having served over 13,000 people in June alone, ACSA continues to run one of the busiest food banks in the city. This year, the team developed a grocery-store style model in a new accessible space. The dedicated volunteer team at ACSA is made up of clients and community members, who speak a variety of languages.  

Congratulations to Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre and Avenue Road Food Bank as well on their nominations! 

Profound Community Impact 

Amos Sarwan is our 2022 Profound Community Impact award winner. As lead pastor of Grace Place, he turned his ambitious ideas into action early in the pandemic to address the severe food insecurity he witnessed in his Scarborough community. Now running one of the busiest programs in the city – serving over 14,000 people this past June — Grace Place hosts a multitude of services for clients, from clothing and furniture banks to food deliveries and large community events.  

Congratulations to Julie LeJeune of Fort York Food Bank and Shauna Harris of Spadina Fort York Community Care as well for their nominations! 

Commitment to Equity 

This year’s Commitment to Equity award went to Janel Simpson-Campbell, of Emmanuel Life Management Centre. Her organization has grown tremendously this year, working to formalize their structure as a grassroots organization and increase capacity to serve their community. She and a team of volunteers ensure that everyone feels welcome and safe in their food bank spaces. Janel is dedicated to building trust and understanding the needs of every family she serves.  

Congratulations to Tabitha Eastman of The Lighthouse and Sanda Kazazic of All Saints Toronto as well for their nominations! 

Exceptional Volunteer 

Nicole Gauthier is our 2022 Exceptional Volunteer. She started volunteering with Daily Bread at the start of the pandemic and quickly earned the nickname “All-Star.” She has taken on many roles across the organization: She sorts food, picks orders, serves lunch, helps to set up the food bank, and supports special events. Nicole is a leader in every sense of the word.  

Congratulations to Jennifer Johnson and Mark Park as well for their nominations! 

Thank you so much to all of the extremely deserving nominees and winners for coming out to celebrate with us, and for everything you do to support our communities. We’re honoured to stand by your side in the fight against hunger. 

As Janel Simpson-Campbell said in her acceptance speech: “Let’s do this! Let’s kick poverty’s butt. We can do this!” 

A video recording of the 2022 Best in Class Awards ceremony is available to watch here. 

Toronto Mayoral Candidates’ Written Statements

We’re hosting a Toronto mayoral candidates debate at Daily Bread Food Bank to kick off the official campaign season on May 15.

Because of space and time constraints, we couldn’t invite all mayoral candidates to participate (at time of publication, 102 candidates have officially thrown their hats into the ring!). We invited six candidates, as that’s the number we felt could be accommodated to ensure that each candidate had time to speak and answer questions from the moderator and the audience. More about our selection process here.

Nonetheless, we recognize the limitation of polling and name recognition in politics, so we’re inviting all registered candidates to submit a 250-word written statement about themselves, why they’re running for office, and their priorities, so the public can be aware of all the candidates that are on the ballot come June 26.  

If you’re a registered candidate who did not have your email posted on the City of Toronto’s website previously and therefore did not receive an email from us inviting you to submit, please feel free to send us your blurb at [email protected].

We’ll be posting all statements on this page as we receive them and publishing them in alphabetical order according to candidates’ last names.

The following statements do not reflect Daily Bread Food Bank’s position, nor does posting them represent a candidate endorsement. The statements have been provided by candidates and have been posted unedited.

Emmanuel Acquaye

My mom and I were benefactors of the daily bread program from 2007 to 2008. I want to thank you for all your services then and now. As part of my plan as mayor, I want to first investigate these budget reductions and allocate more resources not limited to funding but in food donations as well. This is A PROMISE.

Glen Benway

I’m running for Mayor because we need to change the Tax & Spend mentality of our city.

As an accountant (CPA) I see Toronto as a great city that needs to better evaluate risk and cost effectiveness before spending tax payer dollars and after money is spent, ensure accountability.  We need rational common sense solutions.  Stop letting the vocal minority bully the silent majority, stop letting the tail wag the dog. 

Platform

Cancel the Vacant Home Tax Property Status Declaration

Homelessness

Comfort Centres open year round, 24/7 for the disenfranchised. 

Affordable Housing

Offer incentives to house owners to add rental suites to their homes.  

Potholes

Use new technologies to increase longevity of pothole repairs.

Bicycle Lanes

Create a network of seasonal bike lanes on residential and side streets. Remove bike lanes on major streets; Bloor, Yonge, University, Danforth.

TTC Ridership

Riders do not feel welcome, safe or respected on the TTC and are not confident that when they pay their fare they will get to their destination safely, comfortably and on time.  The TTC needs to create a new covenant with their riders and then own it; Fast, Safe, On Time, Every Time. Additionally;

• Status of Service boards at each transit entrance and clear timely service announcements.
• All staff including Special Constables must be friendly and helpful
• Continuous safety awareness campaigns
• Cameras, cameras and more cameras

Food Security

Encourage Torontonians to donate by setting the example, by pledging my mayor’s salary to  Daily Bread Food Bank.

Matti Charlton

Matti Charlton brings a fresh perspective to the table as the only non-binary candidate running. Matti’s campaign is focused on inclusivity and representation for all Torontonians.

What sets Matti apart is their unparalleled understanding of the challenges facing the homeless community. Matti is the only candidate to have developed a modern and comprehensive plan for homelessness (https://homelessness.matticharlton.com). Matti’s empathy stems from their deep connection to these communities—their friends and neighbors an integral part of their life. They themselves live below the poverty line and rely on disability support.

Matti’s diverse background adds to their depth as a candidate. As an autistic, queer, and transgender individual, they have experienced both the highs and lows of living in Toronto. They have excelled in various fields, ranging from software development and art direction to fashion design, music production, and writing. Their 12th album of electronic pop music, “Almost,” and their novel “Dendrome” attest to their artistic success. Furthermore, Matti passionately advocates for mental health issues, poverty, homelessness, and addiction.

Matti founded the world’s first transgender-owned underwear company, Retromatti Athletics, in 2014. Matti’s expertise and wide-ranging talents make them uniquely equipped to tackle the complex issues facing Toronto.

To learn more about Matti’s platform, visit the links below.  Matti Charlton is a dedicated advocate, bridging the gap between diverse communities and striving for a better, more inclusive Toronto.

Main: https://matticharlton.com/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/matticharlton
Instagram: https://instagram.com/retromatti
Books: https://books.matticharlton.com/
Music: https://spotify.matticharlton.com/
Design: https://retromatti.com/

Campaign:
https://homelessness.matticharlton.com/
https://drugpolicy.matticharlton.com/
https://indiecity.matticharlton.com/
https://deficit.matticharlton.com/
https://citypeacecorps.matticharlton.com/
All Mayoral White Papers:
https://mayorwhitepapersmay.matticharlton.com/

Bio photo:
https://campaignphoto.matticharlton.com/

Kevin Clarke

Mr. Kevin Clarke is a former homeless man who ranked in the top ten for the 2018 and 2022 mayoral elections, despite receiving zero news coverage. He is a seven-time mayoral candidate, ten-time provincial candidate, and five-time federal candidate. He is also the only person in Canadian history to face three levels of government simultaneously. In addition to his political efforts, Mr. Clarke brokered the largest children’s rights case in Canadian history, in the murder, torture, abuse, and death of seven-year-old Katelynn Sampson; seven years after her mother fought with the Premier of Ontario to find justice for her child. He also actively organizes a monthly hunger feedout, where he and a group of volunteers make sandwiches and gather fruit to deliver to those hungry on the streets.

Mr. Clarke’s platform centers around those most vulnerable in the city; namely the homeless, those struggling with addiction & mental health, and above all, the children. After all, every homeless person was once a child. Mr. Clarke naturally empathizes with the poor, and easily connects with good-hearted people to innovate public solutions for all, not just the few. He plans to expand unobstructive accessible shelter options for the homeless, prioritize building affordable housing instead of luxury condos, improve TTC safety by having first responders assist loiterers, reduce the police budget to an appropriate sustainable level, provide free-of-charge bus rides in TCHC districts, and promote city programs that foster child growth and parental involvement.

You can find Mr. Clarke at https://linktr.ee/kevinclarke.

Sarah Climenhaga

My mayoral vision for Toronto is one where we return power to the people. I support eliminating TTC fares and replacing funding through more equitable, stable and efficient sources. I support deregulating the housing market so that housing is allowed wherever there is concrete, while protecting and expanding green space wherever there is not. I support encouraging creativity, innovation and opportunity by making it much easier for local independent businesses to operate. I want a Toronto with freedom for people to move safely and easily around the city, freedom to create housing, businesses and art, and freedom to have a healthy fulfilling life in this city no matter how much money they make. And, I support a Toronto with smog free air, sparkling clean swimmable water, urban wildlife, and healthy forests, ravines, rivers and valleys, where our economy does not conflict with any of these human needs. Please go to votesarah.ca to learn more, or read about my platform visions at https://sarahclimenhaga.substack.com/

Anthony Furey

I’m a long-time newspaper columnist and radio show host and father of three small kids who lives in this city. I grew up in Toronto and everyday I look around and worry that my kids are growing up in a less prosperous and more dangerous city then the one I grew up in. That has to end!

Toronto residents are dealing with an affordability crisis and yet City Hall and the other candidates running for mayor are promising to make things worse.

As mayor I will not raise taxes or support any new taxes or fees coming out of City hall.

All of the status quo councillors running voted to move ahead with plans for regressive taxes like road tolls and a municipal sales tax, which will increase the price of goods and further harm low-income residents.

When it comes to social service delivery, I will ensure that City Hall better partners with non-profit agencies that offer greater value for money and better results than in-house City Hall delivery models.

I hope you will visit my website furey.ca to learn more about my vision for the future of this great city. 

I love Toronto and I am going to fight to ensure that it remains the city that we all love!

Feng Gao

 “Ask not what your last mayor GAO can do for you, ask what you can do for your last mayor GAO.” 

 #GAOshotECO

As your last mayor GAO, I need your help to make sure your CEO get real shots, because politician ISis FAKE shots for your CEO. 

Vote for GAO.

Free your CEO. 

John Letonja

My name is John Letonja candidate for Mayor see my website johnletonja.ca for more information on feeding the food bank I will give a tax break to the suppliers and grocery chains to feed the less fortunate in need and I will get all governments to do the same to put food on their tables and put a roof over their heads and I will try to generate new money not from the taxpayers but on my own project that Toronto could use for the future use, as you know we have lots of issues that’s a big mess in the city so money won’t cause the problem anymore to run the city.

Syed Jaffery

One of the most important issues on my agenda is the safety and security of my constituents.  I would like to implement stronger gun control laws and greater security from across the border to prevent arms smuggling.  This way our neighbourhoods would be much safer.  A safer and better social justice system would guarantee a smoother society with less violence and better mental health. 

Housing is one of the basic needs of a human being.  Providing affordable housing, food and shelter would be my utmost priority as a mayor.

As we know nothing could happen without proper funding of a program.  Balancing budget to provide proper funding for the most important programs and projects is essential.  As a mayor I would make sure that enough funding is available for our essential programs to move forward and solve the problems of my Torontonians.  

I would also like to implement a smart urban traffic control system powered by our new artificial intelligence technology, to expedite the traffic.  This will happen through controlling our traffic lights to alleviate congestion of any kind on our streets during rush hours and normal hours.

Jeffery Tunney

There are reasons to why I decided to run for Mayor and why I think I would be the best mayor that this city has ever experienced.  Victims of crimes are often voiceless.  To have a team so that victims have a voice.  Every detail is heard and well documented.  This can help reduce crime.  Many people have agreed that as long as victims are ignored that crimes in this city will continue to become worse. 

This inflation crisis that is happening is affecting many single parents, elderly, the vulnerable and the people of low income.  Many times, candidates and politicians will speak up about their issues and concerns during their campaign.  However, once elected, those issues will become ignored.  This will not happen if I am mayor.  The other crisis that I am aware of is more and more people are turning to food banks.  These establishments do not have enough donations and charity events to help with the shortfall that they are facing.  I want to create a change.  As a mayor, I have got a platform and a plan to make sure taxes do not go any higher.  

The vulnerable, low-income people and this environment have been ignored way too long.  Conquering the environment crisis, I want to reduce gas emissions and prevent waste.   I can relate to people who are experiencing hardship and difficult times for I was once there myself and I know what it is like and what could be improved.

Kiri Vadivelu

My name is Kiri Vadivelu and I am running to be the next mayor of Toronto. I am a social justice activist and a member of the Municipal Socialist Alliance which ran 10 candidates across southern Ontario last October, receiving about 15,000 votes. I was the MSA candidate in Scarborough Centre Ward 21 gaining 1,800 votes. I am the first Tamil-Canadian to seek the mayor’s office in Toronto. 

I immigrated from Sri Lanka as a child, and successfully resisted illegal eviction of my family at the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board during the 2020 emergency lock down. I believe good housing is a human right. I am a founding member of the Scarborough Tenants’ Union, a leading voice of Toronto ACORN, and a committed member of Justice for Workers. I was a shop steward in the United Steelworkers Union where I fought for better working conditions, and was the recipient of a 2019 union leadership award.

Toronto is in crisis, the product of a failed capitalist system. MSA call for immediate mass social housing construction, expropriation of giant landlords, and free public transit . We seek to repair our schools, and cut police budget by at least 50%. We demand a climate justice agenda, replacement of the “strong mayor” powers with a grassroots participatory budget process, and steep taxation of the properties of big business and the rich.

Let’s build community power, working class power, from the bottom up.  Vote socialist on June 26 to elect class conscious leadership.

Oasis Dufferin Community Centre: Supporting community through essential programming 

Oasis Dufferin Community Centre has been serving the Dufferin-Davenport community since 1994. At the time, founder Phyllis Ortiz saw the need for new Canadians to have access to a place that would meet their emotional, physical and spiritual needs. Since then, it has become an integral part of the dynamic community it serves.  

At the heart of their programming is a holistic approach to support. “We strive to create diverse programs that focus on overall health, as well as mental health”, says Harry, Food Programs Manager at Oasis Dufferin.  

In addition to their food bank, which is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Oasis Dufferin offers a community dinner on Tuesday evenings, along with varied seniors programming and counselling services for Spanish-speaking women. 

Each program incorporates a focus on nutrition and healthy eating, when possible, because of the impact that food has on overall health. Oasis Dufferin also partners with other community organizations to provide broader health promotion services, mental health resources and educational tools to better serve their clients.  

Recently, Oasis Dufferin received a 2024 Toronto Community Champion Award, recognizing their 30 years of service in the community, and their efforts to forge meaningful connections and create positive change.

The team says that because there can often be a stigma surrounding the kind of food that food banks and meal programs have to offer, people are often surprised by the volume of healthy and nutritious food that clients are receiving.  

But like many agencies and programs across the city, Oasis Dufferin has seen a significant rise in clients accessing emergency food services. On average, Daily Bread member food banks are now serving over 12,500 new clients each month, six times more than before the pandemic.  

“When I started here, we would aim to have 100 of all food items set aside, and if we got 80 clients, that was considered a busy week. We now serve 400 or 500 clients a week”, says Harry, who has been with Oasis Dufferin for over five years.  

That sentiment is also felt by Kevin, a student who has been working at Oasis Dufferin for the past few months. “Every week, I look at the numbers and I’m surprised,” he says. “Last week I checked in over 160 people through intake in 3 hours.” 

As rates of food insecurity continue to rise across the city, it’s clear that change is necessary. But the team remains optimistic. “We’re realistic, but we’re hopeful that changes will happen through advocacy and with more knowledge and people pushing for change,” says Amy, Programs and Community Relations Manager at Oasis Dufferin. 

Daily Bread Food Bank’s network consists of 132 agencies, and 207 food programs, like Oasis Dufferin, who work hard to provide the best support to meet the needs of their membership and the communities they serve. 

Click here if you would like to support Daily Bread’s essential food programs. 

Holy Wisdom: A commitment to faith, community and justice

Holy Wisdom Food Bank (Holy Wisdom), located at Brimley Road and Lawrence Avenue, has been supporting the Scarborough area since September 2023.  

Housed within Church of the Holy Wisdom, the program initially opened after members of the community realized that the area was lacking an evening weekday program to relieve nearby food banks and support those facing issues of food access.  

As an organization, Church of the Holy Wisdom’s mission is to create a space with a commitment to faith, community, and justice.  

Gail, the program’s Food Bank Coordinator, notes that Holy Wisdom isn’t just a food bank. She says, “It’s about camaraderie; it’s about friendship. It’s about extending that helping hand beyond what anyone would think when they first come for food.” 

Though the food bank is run on Tuesday evenings, clients will often come earlier to spend time in the space. The team of volunteers at Holy Wisdom take great effort in ensuring that clients are welcomed warmly, greeted with tea and coffee, and strive to forge genuine connections with them.

In fact, Reverend Gerlyn and the dedicated volunteers who support the program, take an active part in providing support in areas that extend far beyond food access. “At first the role was just to spend time with folks and assist with the food bank. Since September, I think I’ve helped with two school applications, a permanent resident application and about ten job applications,” says Reverend Gerlyn. 

When speaking with the volunteers, it is clear that they also share a commitment to giving back. It’s not uncommon for them to actively collect egg cartons and other materials outside of their time volunteering, bring recycling materials home if piles of it grow high at the food bank, and seek donor support within the area. Each volunteer has their unique reasons for taking part in this program, but it is a sense of compassion and supporting their community that connects them all. 

The need for food assistance continues to escalate, with almost 12,700 clients accessing a food bank for the first time in April. We are grateful to the team at Holy Wisdom for their work in ensuring that everyone has access to the food and resources they need during the most difficult times. 

If you’d like to make a positive impact and support critical food programs in the city, please click here.