North York Harvest Food Bank Launches $6M Campaign to Transform Food Access in Ontario
With one in ten Torontonians now relying on food banks, North York Harvest Food Bank has announced the launch of Crisis to Catalyst, a $6 million capital campaign aimed at reshaping how food insecurity is addressed across Ontario.
The centerpiece of the initiative is a new 30,000+ square-foot Community Food Hub to be developed at 4050 Chesswood Drive. The facility will more than triple the organization’s current capacity and act as a modern, multi-functional space focused not only on food distribution but also on workforce development and social enterprise.
“The City of Toronto has recognized food insecurity as an emergency, and we want to move beyond the constant crisis to do something about it,” said Ryan Noble, Executive Director of North York Harvest.
“We see our new home as a community asset that promotes health, creates well-paying jobs, supports local suppliers, and builds a more equitable economy.”
A New Model for Food Security
The Community Food Hub represents a bold new direction for North York Harvest, transitioning from emergency response to sustainable systems change. Through the Crisis to Catalyst campaign, the organization aims to:
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Expand food storage and distribution to meet growing demand with more fresh, nutritious food
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Strengthen local food programs, including school nutrition initiatives
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Support community organizations delivering food-based services, such as shelters and after-school programs
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Provide job training through programs like Leadership in Logistics
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Scale social enterprise FoodReach to deliver affordable, high-quality food to nonprofits province-wide
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Rescue surplus food, reducing waste and redirecting it to families in need
The campaign is rooted in community wealth building, focused on integrating food access with employment, education, and systemic transformation.
With the current warehouse lease set to expire in 2026 and food insecurity on the rise, the need for long-term, sustainable solutions has never been greater.
Join the Movement
North York Harvest is inviting individuals, foundations, and corporate partners to join the campaign. Opportunities for naming rights, donor recognition, and community investment packages are now open.
Press Conference – Media Invitation
To officially launch the campaign, a press conference and community event will take place on Friday, August 8, 2025, at the new site (4050 Chesswood Dr., Toronto). Media representatives will have the opportunity to tour the facility, hear from leadership and government officials, and speak with community members impacted by food insecurity.
About North York Harvest Food Bank
North York Harvest Food Bank is one of Toronto’s largest food security organizations, serving over 30,000 individuals monthly through food assistance, job training, and long-term poverty reduction programs. The organization is known for its commitment to dignified service delivery, community engagement, and sustainable impact.
