On-site operations at Daily Bread Food Bank.
Daily Bread Food Bank distributes food through its network of 135 member agencies, which run food banks and meal programs across Toronto, accounting for nearly 1 million food bank visits per year.
When the numbers are so big, it's easy to forget that they represent real people struggling to find enough food for themselves and their families, like Joe and Stacey, a couple experiencing homelessness and living in their car in Toronto.
Needing help and needing it fast, Joe and Stacey came to the New Toronto Street Food Bank, Daily Bread's on-site food bank located in its Etobicoke distribution facility.
There they had access not only to food but also to the food bank's Information and Referral Services program, which connects food bank clients with the social service agencies, health programs and income supports they might need.
"When you don't know where you will sleep or whether you will get housing, the food bank provides stability, something to rely on when everything else is up in the air," says Joe.
The Who's Hungry report, Daily Bread's annual research survey of more than 1,400 food bank clients across Toronto, confirms that Joe and Stacey's experience is not unique to them: people who need food banks spend nearly 70 per cent of their income on rent alone. Once utility bills and rent are paid, most clients have about $7 per day left over to spend on everything else, including transit fares, medical expenses and groceries.
"Housing in the Toronto area is outrageously expensive. Using the food bank allows us to take the money we do have and direct it to finding a place to live," says Joe.
Joe and Stacey decided to become members of the food bank's peer-led Volunteer Action Committee and find the experience of working to help their fellow clients rewarding and uplifting.
For Brianna Greaves, the information and referral services coordinator, Stacey and Joe's connection to the food bank means Daily Bread's approach in seeing clients as peers and potential community leaders is having a tangible impact.
"Our goal is to have the food bank become a place where clients are able to participate more fully," she says. "These are people who face systemic barriers and who are often made to feel powerless. Here, people can build skills, confidence, friendship and community while giving back and applying their own knowledge, expertise and passion – and that's a powerful thing."
Joe and Stacey are currently waiting to hear about a small apartment that may become available. There are no guarantees: Toronto's rental market is notoriously hard to navigate. But now there's some respite to be found in their new community.
"Everyone here is so nice and welcoming, it's amazing," says Stacey. "I've had some difficult times, and I would not have made it if it wasn't for the people here at the food bank. They've become my family."
While Daily Bread continues to provide immediate support to thousands of people like Joe and Stacey, the organization also works to expose the root causes of hunger and push for social policy change. "We have committed donors who understand that you need both approaches – because hunger doesn't wait for policy change," says Gail Nyberg, executive director of Daily Bread Food Bank. "Our donors are a part of the journey and make this vital work in the community possible."
This content was produced by Randall Anthony Communications, in partnership with The Globe and Mail's advertising department. The Globe's editorial department was not involved in its creation.