Food Bank Use in Northern Toronto Up More Than 30% Over This Time Last Year
North York Harvest Food Bank calls on subway commuters to
take action during National Hunger Awareness Day (June 2)
TORONTO, May 28 – Food banks in northern Toronto are facing unprecedented challenges in providing essential food to those in need as Canada’s recession has forced more individuals and families to turn to food banks. On National Hunger Awareness Day (June 2), the North York Harvest Food Bank is joining Food Banks Canada and the Ontario Association of Food Banks in calling on all Canadians to donate funds, food or time to ensure food banks can continue to meet the needs of Canada’s hungry during this difficult economic time.
“We are experiencing an overwhelming increase in visits from families and individuals who are struggling to pay their bills and have little leftover to buy food”, says Anette Chawla, Executive Director of the North York Harvest Food Bank. “Since January 2009, we’ve seen a 15% increase in people asking for assistance and this represents more than a 30% rise in demand over the same time last year. Yet, donations of food and funds are sadly not meeting the demand; we could be facing serious food shortages in the next 2 months.”
WHAT: North York Harvest Food Bank will launch National Hunger Awareness Day in select TTC subway stations to raise awareness of the 17,000 people who access food banks in northern Toronto every month.
WHO: Anette Chawla, North York Harvest Food Bank Executive Director, will be on-hand along with staff and volunteers.
WHERE: Finch Subway Station, opposite the main entrance ticket booths
(In addition to Finch station, volunteers will be reaching out to commuters at the Don Mills, Downsview, Sheppard, and Yorkdale subway stations between 7am and 9am.)
WHEN: Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at 7:30 am.
National Hunger Awareness Day was launched in Canada in 2005 to raise awareness of the issue of hunger in our country. Although food banks were created in 1981 as a temporary and emergency measure to ensure all Canadians receive their basic food requirements, they have become a necessary part of the social safety net. Today, 707 food banks and 3,078 affiliated agencies distribute food or provide meals for hungry Canadians. Visit www.hungerawarenessday.ca for further information.
About the North York Harvest Food Bank
The North York Harvest Food Bank is the primary food bank for northern Toronto. An independent, charitable organization, it distributes about one million pounds of food to 59 community food programs between Hwy 27, Steeles Ave, Victoria Park Ave, and St. Clair Ave/Eglinton Ave. To learn more about North York Harvest programs, visit www.northyorkharvestfoodbank.com.
About Food Banks Canada
Food Banks Canada is a national charitable organization representing the food bank community across Canada. Our members and their respective agencies serve approximately 85 per cent of people accessing emergency food programs nationwide. Our mission is to meet the short term need for food and find long-term solutions to reduce hunger. Visit www.foodbankscanada.ca for more information.
# # #
Media Contact:
Daniel Liadsky
Senior Manager, Community Engagement
North York Harvest Food Bank
416-635-7771 ext. 32
daniel [at] northyorkharvestfoodbank [dot] com
