Become a Community Champion
Host a Food Drive, Fundraiser or Event
Thank you for your interest in supporting Daily Bread by becoming 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.
We are looking for Community Champions who will rally their network to donate non-perishable food items, safely collect them from their neighbours, congregations, teams, coworkers, etc., and deliver food donations to Daily Bread Food Bank to be distributed across the city to neighbours experiencing hunger.
By becoming a Community Champion, you can make an immediate difference for families experiencing food insecurity across our city. We will provide you with all the resources and support you need to help you organize a safe and contactless food drive. We can even supply you with paper bags and a checklist of our most needed items, that you can distribute to your neighbours when inviting them to support your drive.
Raising Funds for your Campaign
Looking to raise funds as part of your campaign? Create a personalized fundraising page and invite your friends and family to support you with a monetary donation.
Login here if you already have a fundraising page set up.
What is a Community Champion?
A Daily Bread 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 experiencing food insecurity in Toronto.
Why do you need my help right now?
The pandemic has demonstrated the immediate need people have in accessing food and paying for necessities like rent, transportation, and internet. The food bank statistics during this past year show the huge gaps some citizens in our city are facing:
- Before the pandemic, Daily Bread food banks saw about 60,000 client visits each month. Daily Bread member food banks now see about triple that, with a record high of 209,000+ client visits in January 2023.
- New clients visiting food banks in Toronto have more than doubled over the past year.
- Close to one in three food bank visits in Toronto are children and youth (up from 1 in 4 pre-COVID)
- After rent and utilities are paid, the average food bank client is left with only $8.01 per day to cover all other expenses, including food. This is down from $9.17 per day last year.
- Over 18.6 million lbs of food were distributed by Daily Bread in the past year, a 10% increase compared to the year prior.
- Daily Bread Food Bank is now purchasing 10X more food than it was prior to COVID.
- 67% of the food provided by Daily Bread Food Bank to agencies across the city is fresh, up from 52% last year.
I’d like to help, but I don’t know where to start.
We are so grateful. Thank you.
The first step is to let us know that you’d like to be a Champion. Whether you organize a food drive or hold a fundraiser (or both!), our team is here to support you along the way. Once you’ve indicated your interest, we’ll reach out with additional information and resources to help make sure you have a successful and meaningful campaign.
What do you need more of, financial donations or food?
In order to ensure the sustainability and dignity of our food programs, Daily Bread needs both financial and food donations.
While we are grateful to receive both, financial gifts are even more critical during times of crisis. Due to COVID-19, over the past year we’ve had to more than double our food purchasing to meet the needs of the community. 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.
I want to run a food drive. 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 signature Daily Bread-branded bins for larger food drives. These can be picked-up at our warehouse at 191 New Toronto St. between the hours of 8:30 and 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?
Yes, you can request a pick-up for food drives that have collected 500lbs or more (3 yellow donation bins filled). Once you’ve completed your drive, you can request a pick-up here by filling out this form.
How do I get the food to Daily Bread?
There are several ways to get the food you collect through your food drive to Daily Bread.
Drop off your food donations at any fire hall across the city.
They are open 24/7. Find your local fire hall here.
Bring your donations directly to the Daily Bread warehouse
We’re located at 191 New Toronto St., and the entrance at Gate 2 is open for donation drop-offs Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You’ll see a bin for donations right next to the truck bays.
Whom do I contact if I have questions?
If you have any questions about hosting a fundraising drive, please contact Cassie Lueders, Development Officer, Community Partnerships and Events at clueders@dailybread.ca.
For questions about running a food drive, please contact Michelle Silva at msilva@dailybread.ca or (647) 951-8218.