What is a Community Champion?

A Community Champion is someone who shares our belief that no one in our city should face barriers to accessing food and takes action to support our mission to end hunger. By becoming a Community Champion and raising your hand to host a food and/or fundraising drive, you will make an immediate difference for families in need across Toronto.   

Why do you need my help right now?

From job losses and evictions, the economic impacts of COVID-19 have yet to be fully realized. And while we have all been affected by the pandemic, our neighbours from marginalized communities and those already living in poverty have been hit the hardest.  

• One third of food bank clients in the city are children and youth.  
• During the pandemic, there was a 200% increase in new clients accessing food banks in Toronto.  
• Prior to the pandemic there were an average of about 15,000 visits to Daily Bread member food banks per week. By June, that number had climbed to nearly 20,000. Now, food banks are seeing about 25,000 visits each week. 
• Since the COVID-19 crisis was declared in March, through September, Daily Bread has distributed 8.5M pounds of food, a 49% increase year over year. 
• Daily Bread distributed 90% more food (by weight) in June to agency members (versus year prior). Some food banks experienced as much as three times the number of weekly visits as compared to February 2020.  

Click here to read more about the impact of COVID-19 on food insecurity in our city. 

I’d like to help, but I don’t know where to start.

Thank you! We so appreciate your raising your hand to support Daily Bread Food Bank.

The first step is to let us know that you’d like to be a Community Champion by filling in the sign-up form.

If you’d like to double your impact, consider adding a fundraising drive to your food drive. That way you can also engage folks in your network who might not live in your neighbourhood. 

Click here to set up your own fundraising page as part of Rocketman’s Campaign. 

Once your page is set up, you can customize it with a photo and personal message about why you’ve made our cause your own. Then, send the link to your friends, family and peers through email or social media. Tax receipts will be automatically issued for donations of $10 or more.

If you have any questions or you’d like support setting up your fundraising page, please contact KNicoll@dailybread.ca. Our team would be more than happy to discuss ideas and support your drive.   

I can’t run a food drive, but I’d still like to support Daily Bread Food Bank through Rocketman’s campaign. Can I launch a fundraising drive or make a personal financial donation instead?

Absolutely – and thank you!

While we are grateful to receive donations of both food and funds, financial gifts are critical during times of crisis. See below for why this is the case.

Click here to set up your own fundraising page as part of the Rocketman Campaign. Simply click on  “Create a Team Page” and follow the instructions. Once your page is set up, you can customize it with a photo and personal message about why you’ve made our cause your own. Then, send the link to your friends, family and peers through email or social media. Tax receipts will be automatically issued for donations of $10 or more.

If you’d like support to set up your personal fundraising page, please contact KNicoll@dailybread.ca.

You can also make a personal financial donation to Daily Bread Food Bank through the Rocketman Campaign here.

Here’s more on why financial donations are so important. In order to ensure the sustainability and dignity of our food programs, Daily Bread needs both financial and food donations.  

Due to COVID-19, we’ve had to increase our food distribution to meet the needs of the community.  Donations of non-perishable food alone are not sufficient to meet this demand and we’ve had to triple our budget for purchased food.  Financial donations also enable us to distribute fresh produce, proteins and dairy. Thanks to our industry partners, we are able to maximize every dollar spent.   

During the pandemic, we also increased funding to member agencies by 870% to help them meet increased client volume and invest in infrastructure updates that allow them to continue to serve the community safely. 

I want to run a food drive - but is it safe?

Running a contactless food drive is fun and easy – and completely doable while following public health protocols – such as washing / sanitizing hands frequently, social distancing, and wearing a mask. Check out the Community Champions Toolkit for more guidance and inspiration.

What kind of food should I collect?

Non-perishable foods that are high in protein and/or pack a nutritional punch are at the top of our list. You may also want to consider foods that reflect cultural and dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free and halal items. Click here  to see a list of our ‘most needed’ items. 

Can I get a food collection bin?

We are happy to provide a signature Daily Bread-branded bin for larger food drives – or if you want that visual impact. These can be picked-up at our warehouse at 191 New Toronto St., between the hours of 8:30 – 4:30, Monday to Friday. The bins are 2’ x 2’ x 4’ and lay flat – easily fitting in the backseat of a standard car.   

Will Daily Bread pick up the food I’ve collected?

Due to COVID-19, Daily Bread has suspended pick-ups of food donation bins with the exception of those at fire halls and partner grocers. 

How do I get the food to Daily Bread?

There are several ways to get your food collection to Daily Bread:  

• You can drop off your food donations at any fire hall across the city. They are open 24/7.  Find your local fire hall here.  
• Your local grocer may also have a few of Daily Bread’s signature yellow donation bins in their entrance. To see food donation bins closest to you, visit the ‘Stops Map’ inside the Rocketman app. 
• You can also bring your donations directly to the Daily Bread Food Bank warehouse at 191 New Toronto St., Etobicoke between the hours of 8:30 – 4:30, Monday to Friday.  

Once we receive the food, it will be quarantined for 48 hours before being sorted for redistribution in the community.  

Who do I contact if I have questions?

If you have any questions, please contact Kathleen Nicoll at KNicoll@dailybread.ca or (416) 203-0050 x 312.