Food Bank
Access to fresh, culturally appropriate food for Thorncliffe Park families
How It Works
A Shopping Experience : The Food Bank is designed to look like a grocery store and families shop by appointment and select their own food for the week. Shelves are clearly marked with guidance (example: "Choose 2 items from this shelf"), allowing families to make choices that work for their households.
One family selects their food at a time, ensuring privacy, dignity, and personalized support from our volunteers.
What's Available:
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Dairy products
Meat, fish, and other proteins like canned beans
Culturally appropriate foods reflecting our community's diversity
Staple items and pantry essentials
Who Can Access the Food Bank
The Food Bank primarily serves families living in Thorncliffe Park.
How to Access:
No one should have to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table. If you or someone you know needs support, we're here to help.
Monday to Friday – 11:30 am to 6:30 pm
Location: East York Town Centre, 45 Overlea Blvd, Unit 1A
Phone: 647-296-0242 Email: fcreception@tno-toronto.org
Help stock shelves, organize donations, and create a welcoming environment.
Learn about volunteer opportunities, Contact us to volunteer
Explore volunteer opportunities
Organizations, businesses, and community groups can support the Food Bank through partnerships, sponsorships, or food drives. Contact Shannon Biss, Fundraising Consultant, with any questions.
Since we offer a shopping experience rather than giving food hampers, clients have an appointment each week when it's their turn to pick out their food. A parent often arrives with a child or children in tow.
Story
One day a mother and her son, who was about five years old, arrived at the Food Bank and stood at our intake desk while waiting for their turn to get their food. We've organized the Food Bank like a grocery store with similar items grouped in sections. There's one shelf called Random Items because we only have one or two of each.
The boy looked over at the Random Items shelf and spotted a bottle of ketchup, exclaiming "ketchup! ketchup!" He was so excited and couldn't stop staring at the bottle. A volunteer got the ketchup and handed it to him. He was thrilled and cradled the bottle in his arms like it was a puppy.
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