Today, Daily Bread launched its Thanksgiving food and fundraising drive with a press conference at Fire Station 422. We are grateful to our partners at Purolator and Toronto Fire Services for their continued support, and extend our thanks to the speakers who joined us: Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto; Alexa Gilmour, MPP for Parkdale–High Park; Marla Friebe, Acting Deputy Fire Chief, Toronto Fire Services; Mike Smith, President, Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association (TPFFA); and Steve Scorca, Senior Manager of Operations, Purolator.
In 2024, food banks across the city saw 3.75 million visits, with numbers in 2025 expected to exceed 4 million — the highest on record and almost five times pre-pandemic levels. Daily Bread is now spending $20.5 million per year on food, compared to just $1.5 million pre-pandemic.
To meet this urgent need, Daily Bread is calling on the community to support its Thanksgiving Drive goal of raising $4.4 million and 225,000 lbs of food by October 31. Torontonians can make a tangible difference by donating food and funds, volunteering time, or advocating for stronger social policies to address hunger.
“Every week, thousands of families are coming through our doors because the rising cost of living has left them with no other choice,” says Neil Hetherington, CEO, Daily Bread Food Bank. “We are spending more than ever before to keep food on our shelves, but we can’t do it alone. This Thanksgiving Drive is your opportunity to step up, come together, and help put food on the tables of our neighbours in need.”
As part of this year’s efforts, Daily Bread is once again partnering with Purolator for the Toronto Red Bag campaign. Now in its seventh year, 20,000 red bags have been distributed to homes in key neighbourhoods for residents to fill with non-perishable food donations. Aiming to raise 50,000 lbs of food, the Red Bag initiative is part of the Purolator Tackle Hunger® National Red Bag Campaign, which supports families facing food insecurity across Canada.
“A red bag filled with food represents more than just a donation—it’s a lifeline for families facing hunger. The Purolator Tackle Hunger National Red Bag Campaign has become a powerful way for neighbours to support one another,” says Cindy Bailey, Vice-President and Corporate Sustainability Officer, Purolator. “Our team of dedicated Purolator Tackle Hunger champions is proud to stand alongside Daily Bread to deliver hope and support where it’s needed most.”
Public Participation in Purolator Red Bag
Participating neighbourhoods:
Click here to download our media release.
