Fall Food Drive begins

The Fall Food Drive is now underway from October 2 until October 23, 2009.

This drive is an important opportunity for North York Harvest to re-stock the supplies that have dwindled over the summer months. The effects of the economy have been devastating 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.

You can help fight hunger by making a financial contribution or a donation of non-perishable food items.

Financial contributions can be made online through CanadaHelps.org 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 local fire halls in northern Toronto and participating supermarkets including Metro and Food Basics stores. 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
• baking ingredients