Food Bank Options

During this season of plenty, when we sometimes have to loosen our belts after too many goodies and too much turkey, it's easy to forget that some people don't have enough food to eat.

Councillor Adam Vaughan's recent newsletter listed local and specialty food banks and I thought that I would share them with you in case you want to donate to them, tell someone about them or use their services.
The closest one to us is having a food drive Dec. 12th. Details are below.
In the spirit of this giving season,
Vanessa

And I quote:

"Throughout Toronto, the demand for food banks has gone up and donations are desperately needed. There are dozens of food banks throughout Toronto, each with their own area of service. For a referral to a food bank near you, call Daily Bread at 416-203-0050 or visit http://www.211toronto.ca/.
Please note that most food banks require users to provide proof of address, identification and income verification. Rules for using food banks can vary. Ask about them when calling to make an appointment.
If you are interested in donating to a food bank in your area, please consider contacting the organization ahead of time for more details about the kind of food that is needed.

Walmer Road Baptist Church Food Bank
Located in the heart of the Annex, the Walmer Road Baptist Church Food Bank serves approximately 70-80 people every Monday night.
Location: 188 Lowther Avenue, 1st floor
Hours of operation: Mondays, 6:30-7:45 pm
Contact: 416-924-1121 or foodbank@walmer.ca
Website: http://www.walmer.ca/
Donations can be accepted anytime at the 188 Lowther location in a bin at the side door. On Saturday Dec 12, the church will be having a food drive from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. Neighbours are invited to come to the Walmer Center at 188 Lowther with their donations.

University of Toronto Food and Clothing Bank
Students can register for this service by bringing in a print-out of their current timetable from ROSI and a valid University of Toronto student identification card. This service is operational year round.
Location: New College, Wetmore Hall, Room 50 in the basement
Hours of operation: Fridays, 12:00-3:00 pm
Contact: 416-978-4911 x 224, terri@utsu.ca
Website: http://www.familycare.utoronto.ca/financial_resources/fcb.html

Knox Presbyterian Church

Last year, through the generosity of the Knox congregation, 80-90 youth who visited their food bank weekly were fed a hot, home-cooked meal and given a bag of groceries.
Location: 630 Spadina Avenue
Hours of Operation: Tuesdays 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Contact: 416-921-8993
Website: http://www.knoxtoronto.org/ministries/outreach.html

Fort York Food Bank
The Fort York Food Bank's Food Program provides low-income individuals and families with a three-day supply of groceries. FYFB is a member agency of the Daily Bread Food Bank. Its assigned service area covers the Westside of downtown Toronto, from Yonge to Dovercourt, Lake Ontario to Bloor.
Location: 797 Dundas Street West Hours of operation: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Contact: (416) 203-3011

Website: http://www.fyfb.com/

Specialty Food Banks
Halal Food and Essential Items Bank
Location: Muslim Welfare Centre of Toronto, 100 McLevin Avenue, Suite 4 & 4A
Hours of Operation: Monday - Thursday 2 p.m.-4 p.m.
Contact: 416-335-9994
Website: http://www.muslimwelfarecentre.com/

Ontario Vegetarian Food Bank
Location and Hours of Operation: 2370 Midland Avenue, Main Floor, Suite B5 (Saturday 3 p.m.-6 p.m.);

2400 Finch Avenue West, Suite 10 (Saturday 10 a.m.-noon)Contact: 416-744-4357

Website: http://www.vegfoodbank.ca/