In a significant step toward addressing food insecurity in Toronto, the Catholic Children’s Aid Society (CCAS) has proudly launched the Food & Essentials Hub—a crucial initiative providing fresh food, pantry staples, toiletries, and cleaning supplies to children, youth, and families in need.
The Hub builds on the success of a food pantry launched in 2023 as part of CCAS’s Youth Readiness Program, initially designed to support youth in care. Thanks to a generous $20,000 donation from ShareLife, with additional support from the Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto, the initiative has expanded its reach to serve over 3,000 individuals annually.
“This initiative is about more than just food—it’s about compassion, dignity, and hope,” said Dionne Martin, Director of Service. “The Food & Essentials Hub ensures families receive immediate support during crises while connecting them with long-term community resources.”
The program’s impact is amplified by partnerships with local organizations like Second Harvest and FoodShare Toronto, whose contributions have strengthened CCAS’s ability to meet the urgent needs of the community.
Alongside emergency support, the Hub will implement an evaluation plan to measure its effectiveness, explore cost-saving opportunities, and build a foundation for long-term collaboration.
CCAS’s commitment to holistic, family-centered care, rooted in Catholic values and guided by anti-racist and anti-oppressive principles, is exemplified through this initiative. The Food & Essentials Hub stands as a testament to the organization’s mission of building a stronger, more compassionate community.
Follow #ServingWithPurpose #CCASToronto #FoodForAll #CommunitySupport #ShareLife #CatholicCharities for updates on this impactful initiative.
