TheBulletin.ca Journal of Downtown Toronto
The food bank serves fresh and non-perishable food to as many as 2,800 people each month -making it a critical source of nutrition in one of the city’s poorest areas
By Robert Thorpe –
The Parkdale Community Food Bank is facing a major financial shortfall and is now at risk of closing next month.
Currently the need is far outpacing the food bank’s very limited resources, with financial donations coming up short. The food bank is now appealing to the community for any help possible to keep its doors open. The food bank must raise $100,000 to ensure it will stay open until well into next year.
“As it stands, the food bank could close its doors next month,” said Executive Director Robert Thorpe. “This would be tragic for the hundreds of low-income families and seniors in the area who rely on the food we provide. We must ensure that the food bank can continue to operate and provide this crucial service to the community.”
The food bank serves fresh and non-perishable food to as many as 2,800 people each month -making it a critical source of nutrition in one of the city’s poorest areas.
Since the beginning of the recession of 2009, the Parkdale Community Food Bank has seen a drastic increase in demand of over 50 per cent, nearly double the overall average for food banks in the City of Toronto. This huge increase has been coupled with a drop in monetary donations.
No government of any level has stepped in to fill in the growing gaps between resources and need. The Parkdale Community Food Bank receives no funding from any level of government.
Over the next days and weeks, the Parkdale Community Food Bank will be launching a major community outreach appeal for donations to keep its doors open.
“This community is incredibly resilient and generous in the time of need. We hope that we will reach our fundraising goal so that the food bank will not ever again be in jeopardy,” said Thorpe. He added that help can come in the form of donations, fundraising events or business partnerships.
