A COMMUNITY-FORWARD FOOD PROGRAM TO HELP BREAK THE CYCLE OF POVERTY
In addition to being Canada’s poorest postal code, the DTES is also one of the most diverse communities in our city. While it suffers from many common symptoms of poverty ranging from mental health issues, addiction, the siege of an unforgiving opioid epidemic with a poisoned supply, isolation and more, it is so much more than that. It is a neighbourhood full of diversity, spirit, and hope.
We provide approximately 1,000+ regularly scheduled, reliable meals alongside an average of 200 additional meals made from recovered food products to DTES residents every single day. Starting with down-home cooking and developing recipes from the heart, we care and create a better life for our neighbourhood the best way we know how – through food!
DIGNIFIED, INDIVIDUALLY PACKAGED & ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE MEALS
The Daily Meal Program is a departure from traditional soup kitchens or food line models. It is designed to meet individuals in need where they’re at in Single Resident Occupancy (SRO) accommodations, shelters, and social programs with continued, reliable support. Partnering with local 0-emissions electric bicycle courier Shift Delivery, we serve dignified, individually packaged meals directly to recipients. True to our environmentally sustainable mandate, individual food packaging from BSIBio is completely compostable so that it may be returned to the earth.
The people [who make these meals] are diligent. There’s a commitment with that and it’s love and it’s kindness toward other people.
– KAREN, MEAL PROGRAM RECIPIENT & FRIEND
NUTRITIOUS MEALS COOKED FROM THE HEART
Daily meals are cooked from the heart and made with nutrient-dense recipes developed according to recipient feedback, traditionally-inspired dishes from the unceded lands that we are fortunate to operate on, cultural sensitivities, dietary restrictions, and seasonal availability. Monthly menus are planned in advance and include easily identifiable allergen symbols. We distribute menus to our community partners before the monthly schedule starts so meal recipients know exactly what is being served up on any given day.
