Fort York Food Bank

The Fort York Food Bank (FYFB) is a Canadian nonprofit organization based in Toronto, Ontario, dedicated to addressing food insecurity and reconnecting people with their community through various services. Established as a multi-service agency, FYFB partners with local organizations to support those facing hunger and related challenges in the downtown Toronto area.

Mission and Services

FYFB’s mission centers on alleviating hunger by providing food assistance while fostering community connections. It operates as a multi-service agency that reconnects individuals with community resources and support networks. The organization distributes groceries and offers hot meals to people in need, emphasizing dignity and respect in service delivery.

Operations and Programs

The food bank offers grocery service multiple days a week, with scheduled hours including full days on Tuesdays and Fridays and half-days on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Hot meal service is provided on Sundays. Due to high demand, FYFB manages client flow by distributing random numbers each morning to the first 100 clients, ensuring orderly and fair access to services.

Impact

As one of the largest and busiest food banks in downtown Toronto, FYFB has experienced significant growth in demand. In 2024, total visits to the food bank surpassed 100,000, with record-high attendance reaching approximately 6,000 individuals per week in early 2025. These numbers highlight the increasing prevalence of food insecurity in the community FYFB serves.

Partnerships and Fundraising

FYFB relies heavily on partnerships, community supporters, and fundraising events to maintain its services. A major annual fundraiser is the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) walk, a national family-friendly event held every February to raise vital funds for charities serving people experiencing hunger, homelessness, or other hardships. In 2025, FYFB set a fundraising goal of $250,000 through CNOY to support its programs.

Governance and Registration

Fort York Food Bank is registered as a Canadian charity with the business registration number 867147464RR0001, reflecting its official status and compliance with regulatory standards for nonprofit organizations in Canada.

This organization plays a critical role in the Toronto community by addressing food insecurity and providing crucial support services to vulnerable populations through its collaborative and client-focused approach.