WHO WE ARE
About Us
Located at the intersection of Queen St West and Dunn Ave, the Parkdale Community Food Bank has been providing barrier-free access to food with choice, dignity, and respect since 2007. We firmly believe that access to high quality and nutritious food is a basic human right.
Our services can be accessed through three means: Drop-In, Appointments, and Delivery Program.
With our Drop-In program, community members can come to the food bank and choose their groceries for themselves. Our shopping model allocates a specific number of food items depending on the size of their household. We strive to offer a wide range of food items every week, catering to all diets.
Our appointment system allows community members to schedule a specific time to visit the food bank, which is essential for those who may not be able to stand in line for long periods of time.
Our delivery program was established in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, to assist members of our community who were unable to leave their homes due to health concerns. We continue to operate this program for those who are unable to access our services in person due to illness, disability, or other reasons.
At the Parkdale Community Food Bank, we prioritize dignity, safety, and respect for all. We are a community-driven organization that fosters mutual support where members can share their gifts and resources based on their needs and abilities. We welcome all community members in a non-judgmental manner. Additionally, we advocate for the elimination of poverty and food insecurity in a non-partisan and constructive way.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to ensure access to barrier free food, with choice, dignity and respect for all. No questions asked, we provide food to anyone who seeks assistance from our program. We believe that access to high quality, healthy food is a human right.
Beyond the provision of food, the Parkdale Community Food Bank must be a place of dignity, safety, respite and repose, where participants are made to feel that they are respected members of a community of mutual support. They share their gifts, and the resources available to them, based on their need, and according to their abilities. We accept all of our community members in a non-judgemental manner. By the contribution of each member to the other, we seek to lift each other up.
Finally, the Parkdale Community Food Bank advocates for the elimination of poverty & food insecurity in a non partisan and constructive fashion.
SERVING THE COMMUNITY
The Parkdale Community Food Bank, like many other local organizations, receives no direct funding from any level of government. We must raise all of our funds independently, and hence depend on donations from individuals. Donations over $20 are tax-deductible and will receive a tax-receipt along with our sincere thanks.
Quick Facts
The Parkdale Community Food Bank is a grass roots organization, founded by volunteers in November 2007, after the threatened closure of the 25 year old Saint Phillips Pantry. At that time, Parkdale's only food bank was at risk of disappearing.
Located on Queen Street West in the heart of Parkdale, our philosophy reflects a strong commitment to a client-based model, where respect, inclusion and the dignity of our members is the first priority. The food bank uses a shopping system, as opposed to the more common hamper system to maximize selection and respect member's various dietary needs.
Did You Know?
The Parkdale Community Food Bank:
● serves over 6,000 families each month.
● distributes 6-9 tonnes of food each week.
● relies on 150 committed volunteers to make the food bank run.
● sees a role for the food bank in helping people economically reintegrate into the community.
● provides advocacy services to our members on issues of housing, social services and abuse, wherever possible. We hope to expand these services.
WAYS YOU CAN DONATE
In Person
Come visit us!
1499 Queen St. W.
Toronto, ON
Over the Phone
During business hours if you'd like
to call and discuss a donation
please reach us at
416-532-2375
By Email
Connect with us anytime through our main email address. Please allow a few days for a response.
Volunteers Are Always Welcome