TORONTO — Since the onslaught of COVID-19, Feed the Frontlines TO, a grassroots not-for-profit initiative, has raised more than $330,000 to purchase and provide meals from seven Toronto restaurants to frontline healthcare and social-service workers. The initiative has now expanded its reach to communities with residents facing food insecurity as a result of the pandemic.
In the last 10 weeks, Feed the Frontlines TO has delivered more than 15,000 meals, with current average demand of 2,000 meals/week; served more than 300 frontline teams at 23 Greater Toronto Area hospitals, seven long-term care homes and 19 social-service agencies; supported seven independently owned-operated restaurants (BCD Soon Tofu, Five Doors North, Gusto 501, Little Sister, Pomegranate, Pukka, Tabule) to pay rent, utilities and bring back 20+ full- and part-time workers; and supported 15-plus other communities to launch similar initiatives.
“Demand for emergency foodservices has grown, while 40 per cent of Toronto’s food banks have been forced to close during this pandemic,” says founder Adair Roberts. “We’re now expanding to serve individuals and families facing increased food insecurity. We’re partnering with the Rexdale Community Hub (the Hub) that supports residents in North Etobicoke, and two local restaurants, Afghan Kebob Cuisine and Xawaash Restaurant, to deliver meals to Rexdale residents who can’t access existing emergency food options. We’re also hoping to expand our reach and generate more donations to extend to help other communities in York, Peel and Durham Regions.”
Individuals and businesses can donate through GoFundMe or through Feed the Frontlines TO’s website feedthefrontlinesto.org.
