Answers to your frequently asked questions:
Do I need an appointment?
We schedule appointment times for all clients to spread visits across the days we are open. We recommend that new clients email or call us to make an appointment.
How did the food bank start?
When the COVID 19 pandemic started in 2020 public libraries were closed and several became pop-up food banks. As a result, the Daily Bread Food Bank recognized the need for a food bank in the area. The minister at Windermere United Church was approached to start a food bank but it is not an accessible church so she approached the priest at St. Pius X Church which she knew is accessible. He was willing to provide the space if she found people to run it. On a weekly “Neighbour Helping Neighbour’s” call Rev. Gilmour asked for volunteers to start the food bank. Karen and Mary Anne agreed to do so. Along with Maggie, who joined the team the following year, they continue to run the operation.
Why we made the move?
The upstairs space in which we could serve clients at St. Pius X was limited. This resulted in us having to provide prepacked bags as well as having to serve clients from the doorways. Clients were outside regardless of the elements. The preferred food bank model is one where clients are made to feel comfortable and welcome and ideally have some choice over what food they receive. Moving to our own stand alone location allows us to now provide choice and we are able to serve everyone inside our premises. It is also allowing us to explore ways we can better support the community we are serving with additional wrap around services.
How are we funded?
Operating funds come from grants, fundraising events, donations from community groups such as schools and churches and donations from individuals and foundations.
How many people are employed at the food bank?
There are no employees at the Bloor West Food Bank. We are entirely volunteer run.
Where do we get food from?
Every week we receive about six pallets of food from the Daily Bread Food Bank. We also receive a weekly visit from the Second Harvest truck. In addition every week we receive bread donations from Cobs in Bloor West and bread and meat from Meaty Eats. Other local businesses connect with us during the year to provide additional items.
We also get food from many community food drives from local schools, churches and businesses, as well as occasional food drop offs from caring community members.