York Scares Hunger!

Hey York! 

It’s time for the annual York Scares Hunger Food Drive! As halloween decorations go up and costumes are planned we encourage you to take the time to donate to the Daily Bread Food Bank through this event. Although food insecurity may not be a topic often discussed, it is an issue which impacts hundreds of thousands of individuals in Toronto. Here are some facts about food insecurity in our community:

• Almost 1 in 5 Torontonians live in food insecurity (18.6%)

• Around 1 in 6 Canadian children live in food insecure households (17.2%) 

  • Two-thirds of these children live in moderate or severe food insecurity

• Some groups at higher risk of food insecurity include

  • Low income households

  • Lone-parent households

  • Individuals using social assistance programming

  • People of colour

  • And more

There are many organizations within the city which have been developed to help fight food insecurity. One of the most common being food banks. In 2021 alone there were 1.99 million visits to Toronto food banks. One of the best ways to support food banks is to donate non-perishable food items. The proceeds of York Scares Hunger will be directed to The Daily Bread Food Bank. Founded in 1983, The Daily Bread Food Bank is committed to reducing food insecurity in Toronto and neighbouring communities.  

So how can you get involved in this initiative? The community service committee will be fundraising for The Daily Bread Food Bank in two ways. 

1. Monetary donations which can be completed at this link

2. Non-perishable food donations from October 16-31

Here are the items The Daily Bread Food Bank has said are most needed

• Shelf-stable and non-perishable foods that are long-lasting – like rice, beans, pasta, and flours

• Canned protein like chicken and tuna

If you are in Senior School you can bring your donations the boxes outside of the Student Life office/beside the grad lounge. If you are in Middle School bring your donations to the boxes in the middle school commons. This year, all donations will count towards house points so make sure to bring in lots of food to secure your house a casual day! 

Sources

• Food Insecurity in Toronto, The City of Toronto.

• Household Food Insecurity, StatCan

• Daily Bread Food Bank