At a time when our city is in a state of emergency due to the food insecurity crisis, nearly 200 volunteers rolled up their sleeves on Saturday to sort food donations and pack them for distribution throughout the city.
This was our annual Spring Public Food Sort, and this year these dedicated individuals processed an incredible 40,077 lbs for the fight to end hunger.
This support is more crucial than ever as food bank demand keeps climbing. From January-March 2025, our network of member food banks saw over 900,000 client visits, which is over four times the number in 2020.
“The numbers are just going in the wrong direction on a continuous basis,” said Neil Hetherington, CEO, Daily Bread Food Bank, as he addressed the volunteers. “And you all are here to do something about that, to feed that need now and to advocate for change so that those lineups we serve all across the city start to decrease.”
Throughout the day, local leaders came by to show their support and pitch in to sort. Premier Doug Ford; Michael Parsa, Ontario’s Minister of Children, Community and Social Services; Mayor Olivia Chow; MPP Lee Fairclough, Etobicoke-Lakeshore; and Etobicoke-Lakeshore federal candidates James Maloney (Liberal Party), Bernard Trottier (Conservative Party of Canada) and Cory Wagar (New Democratic Party) all participated.
“I want to thank everyone for coming out on such a special occasion,” said Premier Ford to the day’s volunteers. “This helps families that need a little hand up, and each and every one of you are contributing.”
Each pound of food is equivalent to about one meal, so the day’s volunteers ensured over 40,000 meals could get out to those who need it. We are so grateful for their hard work.
“What you’re doing is so heartwarming because it is so distinctly Canadian,” said Mayor Olivia Chow to volunteers. “We take care of each other.”
Interested in volunteering? Check out our webpage or read this blog post about how to get started.
