Daily Bread launches Holiday Drive to stock shelves

TORONTO, Nov. 22, 2012 /CNW/ - While Santa Claus was getting kids in to the spirit of the season along the parade route in Toronto this past weekend, Daily Bread was getting ready for its annual Holiday Drive. The campaign officially starts today with the announcement of a goal to raise $1.5 million by December 31.

"The money raised during the Holiday Drive helps out people during some of the toughest winter months. It allows us to buy perishable food like meat, eggs and yogurt as well as fresh vegetables and fruit," said Gail Nyberg, Daily Bread's executive director. "It also means we can keep our trucks out on the road delivering food donations to those in need."

In addition to a $1.5 million goal, Daily Bread is also looking to raise almost a million pounds of food. Most needed food items include pasta, dried/canned beans or lentils, rice, canned fruit and vegetables, baby formula and food, tomato sauce, peanut butter and canned/powdered milk.

While Daily Bread provides food for over 66,000 visits to food banks a month across Toronto, Nyberg said that it's "important to remember that food banks and meal programs are often multi-service organizations that support people in so many different ways. Our member agencies, among other things, are also running cooking and nutrition classes, community gardens and pre-natal programs for expecting mothers."

More than just a food bank, Daily Bread's information and referral program trains volunteers to provide clients with information on social assistance, housing and education. An onsite food services training program provides valuable work experience through an intensive 16-week program in Daily Bread's kitchen. Trainees in this program helped prepare some of the 170,000 meals that went out to shelters, hostels and meal programs last year.

Food donations can be dropped off at any local fire hall, Loblaws, No Frills, valu-mart, Real Canadian Superstore or any participating grocery store. Financial donations can be made easily and securely online at www.dailybread.ca or by mailing a cheque to Daily Bread Food Bank, 191 New Toronto St., Toronto, Ontario, M8V2E7.

Daily Bread Food Bank is fighting to end hunger in our communities.

SOURCE: Daily Bread Food Bank

Sarah Anderson
Senior Manager, Communications
T: 416-203-0050 ext. 238
E: [email protected]
M: 416-450-2196