Major Toronto and GTA Foods Banks Launch Joint Thanksgiving Food Drive

TORONTO, Sept. 18, 2018 /CNW/ - As the holidays draw near, and more and more families face food insecurity, six major food banks in Toronto and the GTA have come together to launch a joint Thanksgiving Food Drive aimed at bringing awareness to the need of the region.

Major Toronto and GTA Foods Banks Launch Joint Thanksgiving Food Drive (CNW Group/Daily Bread Food Bank)

"This is a critical time of year for families facing food insecurity," said Daily Bread Food Bank CEO, Neil Hetherington. "Community participation is key when it comes to food banks being able to best serve the communities that need them the most. All of the organizations taking part in this campaign work passionately to shine a light on the ongoing challenges around hunger. We ask that those in Toronto and the GTA take action and donate food or funds during this giving season."

Alex Bilotta, Executive Director of The Food Bank of York Region, confirmed that the food bank now supports over 60 community organizations across the nine municipalities of York Region. "These community partners serve people who are impoverished, homeless, neglected, abused, hungry and otherwise marginalized." Mr. Bilotta added, "Collecting and delivering surplus food to local food banks and community organizations that provide meals and food to their clients is a very effective and efficient means to address food insecurity in our region."

The 4-week campaign seeks to achieve an ambitious donation goal of 1,080,000 pounds of food. The public is being asked and encouraged to take part in the effort.

"Our DNA, the most notable feature of Toronto residents, is that we care about each other," said Toronto Mayor John Tory at the launch. "This is what I hear from people around the globe. What people notice the most about us here in Toronto is that we accept people the way they are. They notice we care about each other and care for each other. It's particularly important to do that at this time of year."

The six food banks taking part in the Thanksgiving Food Drive includes:

• Daily Bread Food Bank
• The Mississauga Food Bank
• North York Harvest
• Knights Table
• The Food Bank of York Region
• Feed the Need Durham

Food donations can be dropped off at participating fire stations and grocery stores across Toronto and the GTA. Most needed items include: canned fruits, canned vegetables, rice, pasta, and high protein goods such as peanut butter.

The Thanksgiving campaign – which wraps up on October 14 – also has a monetary donation goal set at $860,000.

With every dollar donated, participating foods banks will be able to provide meals to those struggling with hunger.

SOURCE Daily Bread Food Bank

Media Contact: Ruth Gebremedhin, P: 647-920-6044, E: [email protected]