Donations are slow for Daily Bread's Holiday Drive

TORONTO , Dec. 9 /CNW/ - Winter has officially arrived, and while Toronto collectively dusts off their snow shovels, Daily Bread Food Bank is already struggling to meet its Holiday Drive goals.

With only 173,000 lbs of food and $311,000 donated and just over three weeks to go, Daily Bread is in danger of not being able to meet its target of 1 million lbs of food and $1 million . Daily Bread Food Bank receives no funding from the government or the United Way and relies one hundred percent on your donations.

"We have been continually faced with rising numbers of client visits to food banks while donations have basically flat lined. We need donations to increase not just to reach our Holiday Drive goals, but to make sure Daily Bread is able to continue providing food and fighting hunger in Toronto ," said Gail Nyberg , executive director of Daily Bread Food Bank. "I know we are asking a lot, and all I can say is please give as generously as you can to Daily Bread. We need your help."

The Holiday Drive runs until January 4, 2010 and it is easy to support the fight against hunger. Financial donations can be made securely, online at www.dailybread.ca or by calling 416-203-0050. Cheques can be mailed to Daily Bread Food Bank at 191 New Toronto Street, Toronto ON M8V 2E7. The public can drop off nutritious, non-perishable food at any fire hall, or any Loblaws or Metro until December 31st . Most needed food items include: baby formula and food; peanut butter; canned fruit or vegetables; canned fish or meat; dried pasta and tomato sauce; powdered, canned or tetra pak milk; macaroni and cheese; bags of rice; cans of lentils and beans; hearty soup or stew and bags of lentils.

Daily Bread Food Bank is a non-profit, charitable organization that is fighting to end hunger in our communities. Daily Bread serves people through neighbourhood food banks and meal programs in its 171 member agencies. Daily Bread Food Bank fights hunger by providing food and resources for hungry people; mobilizing greater community support and creating social change through research, education and advocacy.

For further information: Sarah Anderson, Communications & Marketing Officer, T: [phone] ext. 238, E: [email protected], M: [phone]