North York Harvest Brews Up Support For Hungry People In Northern Toronto
North York Civic Centre Starbucks helps to launch Fall Food Drive
TORONTO, Sept. 30 – Starbucks customers are invited to join its North York Civic Centre location (5100 Yonge St) and the North York Harvest Food Bank on Friday, October 2 for the launch of the annual Fall Food Drive. Starbucks will be offering free samples and tastings of its new instant coffee breakthrough, Starbucks VIA™ Ready Brew, and accepting non-perishable food donations in support of hungry people in northern Toronto.
“We're pleased to have a community partner like Starbucks join our efforts in fighting hunger,” says Anette Chawla, Executive Director of the North York Harvest Food Bank. “We want to remind people that giving is as easy as picking up your morning cup of coffee.”
The effects of the economy have been devestating for people who are struggling to make ends meet in northern Toronto. Since the start of 2009, food bank use has increased 22 per cent over the same period last year. 40 per cent of North York Harvest food bank users are children and youth under 18 years old. The Fall Food Drive is an important opportunity for North York Harvest to re-stock the supplies that have dwindled over the summer months. “In spite of the economic forecast, we fully expect that the echoes of the recession will have a lingering effect on our clients for many months to come,” says Chawla. “We hope that our generous donors will continue to think of the needs of others during this time.”
WHAT: Fall Food Drive Launch
WHO: Anette Chawla, North York Harvest Food Bank Executive Director
WHERE: Starbucks, North York Civic Centre, 5140 Yonge St.
WHEN: Friday, October 2, 2009 at 8 am
The Fall Food Drive runs from October 2 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 Starbucks
Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at www.starbucks.com.
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 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
