
Daily Bread Food Bank’s Best in Class Awards recognize individuals and organizations that have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the fight against hunger in Toronto and the work of Daily Bread and its network of member agencies.
Congratulations to all the nominees of the 2022 Best in Class awards.
Watch highlights from the awards ceremony
2022 Best in Class Award Recipients
Outstanding Food Program
The Outstanding Food Program award recognizes a community agency in Toronto that has made significant efforts to implement Rights-based practices within their program, to ensure all clients are served with dignity and respect in a welcoming and supportive environment. The Outstanding Food Program embodies inclusivity with a volunteer cohort that reflects the community they serve.
Nominees:
- Agincourt Community Services Association (ACSA)
– Award Recipient - Avenue Road Food Bank
- Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre (PARC)
Profound Community Impact
The Profound Community Impact award recognizes the leader of a food program committed to increasing food access to underserved communities. The recipient of this award deeply understands the needs of clients and has shown courage and resourcefulness in overcoming barriers to running a large food program.
Nominees:
- Amos Sarwan (Grace Place) – Award Recipient
- Julie LeJeune (Fort York Food Bank)
- Shauna Harris (Spadina Fort York Community Care)
Workplace Champion
The Workplace Champion award recognizes an employee group who has raised awareness about food insecurity by organizing a workplace fundraiser, event, or campaign. The Workplace Champion mobilizes their employee base through innovative and impactful initiatives, resulting in a wider network of people committed to social change.
Nominees:
- Slalom Consulting – Award Recipient
- Hepburn Engineering
- Klick Health
Food Industry Trailblazer
The Food Industry Trailblazer award recognizes a company from the food industry sector that has made outstanding contributions of most-needed food items to our programs. The Food Industry Trailblazer regularly invests in healthier communities by donating essentials to neighbours in need.
Nominees:
- Italpasta – Award Recipient
- Daiya Foods
- Metro Distribution
Commitment to Equity*
A new category this year, the Commitment to Equity award recognizes the coordinator of a food program who demonstrates extraordinary efforts to maintain equity when serving clients. The recipient of this award shows great commitment to building trusting relationships with clients to understand their individual circumstances and meet their particular needs as best as possible
Inaugural Nominees:
- Janel Simpson (Emmanuel Life Management Centre)
– Award Recipient - Sanda Kazazic (All Saints Toronto)
- Tabitha Eastman (The Lighthouse)
*New award in 2022
Community Leader
The Community Leader award recognizes an individual or group who has raised awareness about food insecurity by creating and organizing a community fundraiser, event, or campaign. The Community Leader mobilizes support and engagement and shows leadership by creating a network of advocates for the cause.
Nominees:
- Junction Residents Association – Award Recipient
- Malvern Onyx Lions Club
- Old Toronto Series
Exceptional Volunteer
The Exceptional Volunteer Award recognizes an individual or group who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to Daily Bread’s mission through volunteerism. Our nominees have made a significant impact by donating their time, valuable skills, and expertise.
Nominees:
- Nicole Gauthier – Award Recipient
- Jennifer Johnson
- Mark Park
Harvest Hero
The Harvest Hero award recognizes a local farm that has significantly alleviated hunger by donating fresh fruits and vegetables to those in need. The Harvest Hero has made an extensive effort to reduce food waste by redirecting surplus produce to low-income communities across the GTA.
Nominees:
- Rose Family Farm – Award Recipient
- R Tindall Produce
Corporate Leader
The Corporate Leader award recognizes a company or corporate foundation that has demonstrated a commitment to corporate social responsibility by donating funds, employee volunteerism, and raising awareness of hunger and poverty issues in our city.
Nominees:
- Yardi Canada Ltd. – Award Recipient
- Cortland Credit
- Icon Insulation
Contact
Questions? Please contact Sacha Michna, Senior Manager, Community Partnerships and Events at smichna@dailybread.ca