In our new series, Behind the Scenes, we will share stories of the unsung staff, volunteers and Board members that make it possible for us to serve the estimated 2 million clients that will visit our food bank network this year. Every month, we will feature Daily Bread supporters that fight to end hunger in our city, from DZ drivers hauling fresh fruit and vegetables for our Farm to Food Bank program to our warehouse staff and volunteers that ensure our 189 member agencies receive their orders each week.
This month, we shine our light on the inner workings of our onsite kitchen and meal program.
Daily Bread is known for providing shelf stable foods, fresh fruits and vegetables to our many member agencies. Not many are aware of our large commercial kitchen, where our dedicated staff and volunteers prepare hearty, nutritious meals, ensuring our clients that may not have the resources or ability to cook can still meet their dietary needs.
Last year, our Daily Bread Kitchen staff and volunteers prepared 101,440 meals that were distributed to agencies across the city. Of those meals, 10,643 were delivered to isolation programs in partnership with the Red Cross, helping to protect our medically vulnerable population from further risk of COVID infection.
Every month, our team of kitchen staff carefully select a diverse menu of soups, stews and casseroles for our agencies to select from.
Each meal is chosen based on nutritional value, availability of product, cost and time of year, with soups and stews being more popular in the winter months and lighter fare, like our Zucchini Tomato Casserole in summer months.
In addition to our agency meal program, Daily Bread hosts a free community meal, for members of the south Etobicoke area every Thursday from 5:30-7:00 pm. Our clients are welcomed with coffee, tea, and a hot, hearty meal served with love by our amazing volunteers.
For every $1 donated, Daily Bread Food Bank has distributed 1 meal. By donating $100 at www.dailybread.ca you will give a family of 4 access to 25 meals.
If you would like to volunteer in our kitchen, please visit www.dailybread.ca/volunteer
