Come to Market - Make a Difference!

Help launch North York Harvest’s fall food drive

For Immediate Release

TORONTO, ON (September 9, 2011) – On Thursday, September 15th, North York Harvest Food Bank will launch our Fall Food Drive at the North York Farmers’ Market in Mel Lastmen Square. This will be the second year in a row that North York Harvest joins forces with farmers to raise food and funds for families and individuals across northern Toronto. Our goal is to raise 90,000 pounds of food and $90,000.

“The tremendous support we receive from farmers each year allows us to provide our clients with fresh produce in addition to non-perishable items.” says Anette Chawla, Executive Director of North York Harvest Food Bank. “We are excited to launch our fall food drive alongside such a great group of dedicated people.”

The Fall Food Drive is an important opportunity for North York Harvest to re-stock our supplies that have dwindled over the summer months. The threat of a second recession, rising food costs, as well as the coming winter months, requires communities to pull together.

Chawla and North York Harvest staff will also be cooking a hearty fall dish to share with the public. “Pairing chickpeas with local spicy-sweet mustard sauce highlights our commitment to providing nutritious food from home—Ontario-grown and international flavours.” Chawla explains. “With children and youth under the age of 18 making up 40% of the people we see, and with 36% as recent newcomers to Canada, nutritious and culturally diverse food donations are highly needed.”

North York Harvest is one of Toronto’s largest food banks, distributing more than 1.6 million pounds of food through 60 neighbourhood programs. An independent, charitable organization, we envision a community where all members are able to meet their food needs.

Time and Date: 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 15, 2011
Location: North York Farmers’ Market, Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge St. (just north of Sheppard Ave.)
Parking is available on and near the Square.

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Media Contact:
Amie Banks
Communications Associate
640 Lawrence Ave. W. Toronto, ON
O. 416-635-7771 ext 59
C. 416-937-7189
E. amie [at] northyorkharvest [dot] com