On Saturday, December 21, Daily Bread Food Bank was filled with the energy and generosity of nearly 300 volunteers — the largest turnout we’ve seen for this event since the pandemic. Together, volunteers sorted an incredible 78,869 pounds of food, which will be distributed to more than 214 food programs across Toronto, helping ensure our neighbours have access to food throughout the holiday season.
The holiday food sort was joined by several elected officials, including Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services Michael Parsa, MPP Lee Fairclough (Etobicoke–Lakeshore), Councillor Amber Morley (Etobicoke–Lakeshore), and Councillor Brad Bradford (Beaches–East York). Premier Ford welcomed volunteers, thanked them for giving their time, and emphasized that this work would not be possible without community members stepping up. He also took time to speak with participants and wish everyone a happy and safe holiday.
Addressing volunteers, Daily Bread CEO Neil Hetherington spoke to both the urgency of the moment and the power of collective action. “Right now, Daily Bread provides food for more than one in ten Torontonians,” he said. “That reality is agonizing — but the community has risen and said it’s fundamentally wrong that anyone should have to rely on a food bank. We could continue to agonize, but instead we’ve chosen to organize.”
Neil also underscored the importance of advocacy alongside emergency food support, highlighting ongoing efforts to raise disability rates and advance affordable housing so people can afford to live with dignity.
As the year comes to a close, this holiday food sort is a powerful reminder that while hunger doesn’t take a holiday, neither does community. To every volunteer who showed up, rolled up their sleeves, and took action — thank you for being part of the movement to end hunger in Toronto.
Make a difference today by donating to Daily Bread Food Bank and supporting emergency food programs across the city.
