Nourish East End (formerly known as the Glen Rhodes Foodbank) is a busy market-style food bank in Toronto’s East End. Each week, we provide welcoming access to fresh, nutritious food for over 600 individuals. We welcome our clients with an understanding that all human beings have the right to fresh, quality, and nutritious food in an environment where their dignity and choices are respected. We advocate for food security for all.
Nourish East End is an outreach program of East End United Regional Ministry, an affirming, faith-seeking, spiritual community dedicated to social justice and sustainability. Nourish East End reflects our congregation’s commitment to radical hospitality offering support and welcome to neighbours of all spiritual beliefs, races, backgrounds, abilities, sexual orientations and gender identities.
Our programs are made possible by the work and effort of more than 60 volunteers drawn from across the community. Many of our volunteers have had their own experiences of food security and are committed to giving back to others. We are also supported by an array of local businesses, schools and organizations.
Nourish East End operates out of the East End Food Hub at 1470 Gerrard Street E.
We are a partner in the East End Food Hub. Download the Hub’s Annual General Report here.
Market-Style Food BankNourish East End opens its doors to clients every Wednesday from 9:00am-11:00am and 2pm-4pm. We are located at 1470 Gerrard St E (one block west of Coxwell) and are near many transit stops (506 Streetcar and 22 Coxwell bus). Clients are able to shop from the selection of food we have available and can choose food items that work best for themselves and their families. Any resident of Toronto can register on-site during food bank hours with government I.D. (for self and household members); or online at Daily Bread’s portal. Once registered, clients only need to bring their Daily Bread registration # to the food bank.
Community DinnersSharing a meal brings people and communities together. Nourish East End has a long tradition of offering food and friendship through a regular monthly dinner that is open to ALL members of our community regardless of economic circumstances.
Join us for a sit-down meal together the fourth Monday of each month from 5-6 PM. All welcome. One meal per person.
Our Next Community Dinner: Monday, Nov 25, 2024
Community ServicesNourish East End partners with other organizations in our community to offer additional services and supports to our clients including vaccine/health clinics, tax services and other social and wellness supports.
Coming this fall, a Seniors’ Cafe at the Food Hub (1470 Gerrard) with board games, snacks and conversation from 3-5 pm, right before our monthly community dinner! Hosted by Applegrove Community Complex.
Daily Bread and Second Harvest are the largest sources of the food distributed by Nourish East End, however local businesses are generous in-kind supporters including COBS Bread (Queen Street & Danforth locations), Seaton Meats and Victoria Whole Foods.
Local businesses are among the most generous of our supporters making an outstanding commitment to improving life in our community. The efforts of three local businesses in particular, are responsible for about 15% of our fundraising revenue! A big thanks to Cornerstone Studios, COBS Bakery The Beach, and Mike Unsworth, Homeward Brokerage.
FAQ
When you signup through the DailyBread portal, you will be asked to list all of the people who live in your household. Then, when you come to Nourish, we will be able to give you the appropriate amount of food for yourself and those in your household. There is no maximum amount of people you can shop for, they only need to reside in the same household. If you would like to sign up in person on the day of our market, all that is needed is a form of Government ID for yourself & each person residing in your home.
We no longer operate a home delivery program. That was a COVID-related service. We will continue to serve our clients through our in person free food market! The Red Cross operates a mobile food bank service for those unable to to access a food bank due to a permanent or temporary disability.
Our food bank currently take place on Wednesdays from 9-11:30AM & 2-4PM. To make sure we can service as many people as possble, clients are to choose between the morning OR afternoon slot to complete their shop. Daily Bread clients may use any food bank service once a week.
Attendance at the food bank varies from week to week. We advise arrival 15 minutes before our doors open when we will distribute numbers to determine who will enter first. There is normally a line along Gerrard Street, and there may be a wait, but we do our best to manage the crowd in a timely way. We appreciate your patience.
We always want to ensure that the dietary needs of our clients are being met. When you arrive inside, you will be able to select food items that align with any dietary needs in your household. While our stock varies week to week, we always try to have dairy free, meat alternative, and gluten free products available.
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