Food security is a very important aspect of the ministry of East End United. We believe it is one answer to God's call for justice for all people. Nourish East End undertakes several programs to help alleviate food insecurity and social isolation that often goes hand in hand.
FOOD BANK
Nourish East End's foodbank is open to its clients every Wednesday 9:00-11:30 AM and 2:00-4:00 PM at East End United's Glen Rhodes Campus, 1470 Gerrard St E (one block west of Coxwell). It serves approximately 300 households each week. Clients shop from the selection of food available, choosing what works for their family. We are very proud of the high quality fresh protein, dairy, fruits and vegetables, eggs, locally baked bread and staples such as rice and pasta. These minimally processed, high quality and nutritious foods comprise the vast majority of items available for our clients.
Any resident of Toronto can access our food bank. You can register in person on Nourish's day of service or online at Daily Bread portal. Once registered, clients need only bring their Daily Bread registration number each week they visit Nourish East End's foodbank.
This program is made possible through the generous in-kind support of the Daily Bread, Second Harvest, Seaton’s Butcher, COBS Bread, Black Bird Bakery, Whole Food Market, The Black Pony, Victoria Whole Foods as well as Food Drives by schools, businesses and community groups contributing more than 350,000 lbs of food worth more than $600,000 every year.
We also benefit greatly from grants and donations provided by Daily Bread, Second Harvest, The Meeting House, UW, and private individuals, both big and small. It all adds up and why we were able to step up significantly since the pandemic started. And while the pandemic may be (hopefully) winding down, the demand has not dissipated. With significant inflation of both rents and food in Toronto, our client base has swelled an additional 10% since January 1, 2022.
DONATE
As a small nonprofit, the generosity of our neighbours is always needed and cherished. To donate to help Nourish continue its mission to reduce the impact of food insecurity in the East End, please click on Canada Helps and select "2. Nourish East End" in the dropdown menu. All donations of $25 or more will receive an automated tax receipt. Monthly donors will receive a tax receipt at the end of the calendar year. Thank you!
- Soups: canned, dried and ichiban style - any variety
- Condiments: (from individual serving size to family size) - mustards, ketchup, relishes and mayo, to salad dressings, tahini, oils, vinegars, spices and seasonings et al - variety truly is the spice of life!
- Breakfast items: cold and hot cereals, jams, jellies, marmalades, cheez whiz, marmite, nut butters, et al
- Mac & Cheese: any brand, any size
- Snacks: granola bars, cookies, crackers, chips et al
- Toiletries: soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, toilet paper (400+ sheets per roll preferable), et al
- Other: Aside from non-perishable food, the Food Bank is currently in need of egg cartons and clean, reusable shopping bags.
COVID-19
Food Bank
While other food banks had to close their doors or switch exclusively to hamper models, Nourish East End food bank remained open and we retained our shopping model for all our in person clients. To do so, we adopted and have retained extra health and safety precautions. These include admitting only 10 clients at a time to allow for social distancing, closed our drop in breakfast and afternoon snack programs, increased sterilization of the space, mandatory mask use by all in-person shoppers and volunteers, mandatory hand sanitizing before entering the building and hand sanitizer available at every station.
To accommodate clients who are at high risk or were ill, we increased our hamper deliveries by 500%, reducing the need for them to be in congregant settings. If people were otherwise healthy but unable to comply with mask requirements, Food Bank volunteers serve them outside of the building. No one is denied food while maintaining health protocols.
Community Dinners and Drop Ins - on hiatus until further notice.
Community Dinners are an integral element of our programming. Normally held the third Monday of every month, all members of the community are invited to break bread together, as neighbors. All are welcome. Due to an inability to social distance, and as the primary purpose of the dinners is to break down barriers, form community and decrease social isolation due to any number of reasons, the dinners have been put on hiatus until further notice.
At our Wednesday drop-in breakfast and afternoon tea & snack, neighbours can meet friends, have breakfast or snacks, enjoy their coffee and tea with conversation, and escape the weather. As this takes place during our foodbank service, these too have had to be put on hiatus to accommodate social distancing.
INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING?
Thank You Volunteers
We have an incredibly dedicated team of volunteers who work throughout the year to serve vulnerable people. We are especially grateful for their flexibility, diligence, dedication, and kindness as they continue to find ways to serve people who this pandemic is hitting the hardest.
We always appreciate help at the food bank. Volunteer positions include: kitchen servers, kitchen clean-up, shopping table attendants, registration table, unloading delivery truck. For more info and volunteer opportunities, contact foodbank@eastendunited.ca
Do you need information about financial assistance, mental health support, employment support, childcare, housing, food, clothing and shelter?
Find help at 211central.ca or call/chat/text/email 2-1-1.