Photo-Op: Volunteers sort food donations in support of residents hit hard by the recession

TORONTO, October 8, 2009 –

WHAT: This Thanksgiving Monday, community members will be giving back during the North York Harvest Food Bank’s annual Food Sorting Day. Volunteers will be helping to sort food donations at the North York Harvest warehouse. The much needed support comes at a time when requests for food assistance in 2009 are up 22% over the same period last year. In response to these conditions, North York Harvest is extending its food drive for two weeks following the long weekend.

WHEN: Monday, October 12, 2009 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am and 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm

WHERE: North York Harvest Food Bank
640 Lawrence Ave West (Lawrence and Allen Rd.)
Entrance at back of Bathurst Heights school building

GENERAL FOOD DRIVE INFORMATION

The Fall Food Drive runs until October 23, 2009.

Financial contributions can be made online at www.northyorkharvest.com or by phone with a credit card by calling 416-635-7771. Cheques can be mailed to: North York Harvest Food Bank, 640 Lawrence Ave West, Toronto, ON M6A 1B1.

Nutritious, non-perishable food items can be dropped off at participating supermarkets and fire halls in northern Toronto (see website for locations). The most needed items include: canned fish or meat; canned fruit or vegetables; canned and dried beans; baby food and formula; diapers; pasta sauce; cooking oil; and baking ingredients.

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 over one million pounds of food annually to 60 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.northyorkharvest.com.

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For further information, contact:
Daniel Liadsky
Senior Manager, Community Engagement
416-635-7771 ext. 32
daniel [at] northyorkharvest [dot] com