At Chary Produce, their harvest doesn’t just feed local markets—it helps nourish the more than 1 in ten Torontonians who rely on food banks for emergency food access. Since 2017, Miriam, Pack Barn Supervisor at Chary Produce, and her team have generously donated more than 250,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to Daily Bread Food Bank. That’s crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, peppers, and cabbage—all picked with love and shared with our neighbours in need.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” says Miriam. “As a farmer, there’s something special about seeing food you’ve grown, packed in a box and enjoyed by someone who really needs it. Everyone should have access to fresh, good food.”
Through Daily Bread’s Farm to Food Bank program, surplus or perfectly imperfect produce is rescued and redirected to our network of food programs across the city. For farmers like Miriam, it’s a simple, efficient way to make a difference. “It’s so easy it’s ridiculous,” she says with a smile. “The truck shows up, we load it, and away it goes. We don’t even have to schedule anything—it’s a regular pickup.”
Chary’s donations ramp up from late July through to Thanksgiving, ensuring a steady supply of fresh Ontario-grown vegetables during the busy harvest months. And when markets fluctuate or produce isn’t saleable, Miriam says she’s grateful it can still be put to good use: “If we can’t sell it, it goes back into the field. I’d much rather see it go to people who need it.”
Daily Bread handles every donation with care. Our team is trained in safe food handling, and we’re equipped to manage perishable items responsibly. Donations are protected under Ontario’s Good Samaritan laws, and eligible farmers may benefit from a 25% tax credit through the Food Donation Tax Credit for Farmers.
Thanks to partners like Chary Produce, we’re building a stronger, more sustainable food system—one that makes fresh, local produce available to everyone.
Want to help fight hunger and ensure everyone has access to the nutritious food they need? Learn how you can become a Farm to Food Bank partner and support our community.
