Launched in 2020 by a group of concerned citizens, Toronto Miracle is a one-day city-wide food drive in support of Daily Bread Food Bank, North York Harvest, Second Harvest Canada, Scarborough Food Security Initiative, and Salvation Army. This year it’s taking place on December 4th, and if you want to get involved, you have to register by December 2nd. 

“I think many Torontonians would be surprised to learn the breadth of community food programs that exist in our city, and just how many people lean on them for food access,” said Kiera Toffelmire, spokesperson for Toronto Miracle. “Be it the person sitting next to you on the TTC or the student who cashed you out earlier today, our neighbours need our support. We are calling on you, Toronto, to make this miracle happen.”

The initiative was a great success in 2020, and this year the team at Toronto Miracle are hoping to build on last year’s numbers to raise 250,000 pounds of non-perishable food items, from 140 different Toronto neighbourhoods. Once you’ve registered,  leave some non-perishable food items on your doorstep, or building lobby, by 10AM on December 4, and Toronto Miracle will get your donated food to people who need some extra help this holiday season. 

Food insecurity is a major issue in the Greater Toronto Area, and between the pandemic and rising food costs, more people are relying on food banks than ever. Daily Bread Food Bank reports that visits have increased more than 50% in the last 12 months with over 124,000 visits in June 2021 alone. Toronto Miracle is one simple way to stock the shelves. 

Here is a list of recommended items to donate:

  • Grains (rice, buckwheat, oats, millet, barley, quinoa, couscous, bulgur, etc.)
  • Pasta
  • Pasta sauces
  • Vegetable oils 
  • Spices (e.g. salt, pepper, oregano, basil, chilli powder) 
  • Breakfast cereals, muesli, etc.
  • Flour
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Dried fruits
  • Nut butter
  • Coffee
  • Sugar
  • Legumes (beans, chickpeas, lentils, etc.)
  • Non-perishable milk products (Grand Pré milk, soy milk, almond milk)
  • Canned soup (preferably reduced in salt)
  • Canned produce (e.g.beets, corn, mushrooms)
  • Canned fish
  • Infant formulas and baby products (baby food jars, powdered milk, diapers, hygiene products)
  • Healthy snacks
  • Hygiene products (period products, toilet paper, toothpaste)

Want to help? To donate food and add your address, sign up here before December 2nd. For volunteer opportunities, visit http://www.torontomiracle.org/volunteer.