Daily Bread launches annual Holiday Drive

    TORONTO, Nov. 28 /CNW/ - Daily Bread Food Bank officially kicked off the
annual Holiday Drive today in the hamper room of its New Toronto Street
facility. With bare shelves as a backdrop, the food bank urged supporters to
give generously so that the most vulnerable among us could get the support
they need in these turbulent economic times.
    "People and companies are struggling - there's no question about it" said
Gail Nyberg, Daily Bread's executive director. "We've seen a drop of about 15%
in both food and financial donations. With a recession looming, we need the
support more than ever because the people suffering the most are the ones
living on low-income. We count on the public's generosity so that our clients
can count on us."
    Preliminary statistics show that Daily Bread's member agencies saw a rise
of approximately 13% in food bank use this past September due to the economic
downturn, lay-offs, and food price hikes. To ensure needs continue to be met,
Daily Bread has set a goal to raise 500,000 lbs (226,796 kg) of food and
$500,000 by the beginning of January, 2009.
    "I hope the public will dig deep," said Nyberg, "so we can get the food
to those who need it and continue our important work in advocacy, research and
public education."
    It is easy to support the fight against hunger in the GTA over the
holidays. The Holiday Drive officially runs from November 28, 2008 until
January 2, 2009. Financial donations can be made securely, on-line at
dailybread.ca or by calling 416-203-0050. Cheques can be mailed to Daily Bread
Food Bank at 191 New Toronto Street, Toronto ON M8V 2E7. The public can drop
off nutritious, non-perishable food at any fire hall, Loblaws, or Real
Canadian Superstore. Most needed food items include: baby formula and food;
peanut butter; canned fruit or vegetables; canned fish or meat; dried pasta
and tomato sauce; powdered, canned or tetra pak milk; macaroni and cheese;
bags of rice; and bags of lentils.

    Daily Bread Food Bank is a non-profit, charitable organization that is
fighting to end hunger in our communities. Last year, over 950,000 people
across the GTA relied on food banks. Daily Bread serves the majority of these
people through neighbourhood food banks and meal programs in its 160 member
agencies. Daily Bread Food Bank fights hunger by providing food and resources
for hungry people; mobilizing greater community support and creating social
change through research, education and advocacy.

For further information: Gabrielle Chackal, Communications & Marketing
Officer, T: (416) 203-0050 ext. 238, E: gabrielle@dailybread.ca, M: (416)
450-2196