From halal to kosher to plant-based, specialized Toronto food banks face pinch amid soaring demand

From kosher and halal options to plant-based products, specialized food banks are feeling the effects of record-breaking demand across Toronto, and are working to ensure vulnerable communities can access food that aligns with their values and dietary requirements.

At the Toronto Vegetarian Food Bank, clients can find the basics like beans and pasta, but also plant-based proteins like tofu and tempeh.

Matt Noble, the executive director, says the food bank launched 11 years ago so that people who eat a plant-based diet could still access food with dignity.

"If you're coming to a food bank, you're struggling. And so we don't want people who are down on their luck and vulnerable to compromise their deepest held beliefs," Noble said, adding there often aren't many options for vegans and vegetarians at food banks. 

"We usually ask people to donate cash as opposed to canned goods because we buy everything wholesale so we can really stretch those dollars a lot further," he said.

As more and more Torontonians turn to food banks for help, organizations like Noble's, which typically serve a specific demographic, say they're struggling to keep up with the demand. But they also want to remind residents that there are options available for people with cultural or dietary needs.

According to most recent Who's Hungry report from Daily Bread and North York Harvest foods banks, cost of living is the main reason why more people are visiting food banks.  The report said Toronto food banks saw a million more visits this year than the last, bringing the total number to 3.49 million by April 2024. That represents a 38 per cent increase from last year and nearly four times the number of visits than before the pandemic.

At Muslim Welfare Canada's food banks in Mississauga and Scarborough, executive director Shahid Khan is also seeing a rise in clients.

"These days, there are lots of people looking for food," said Khan, noting this past year was the busiest one yet. "We're especially seeing more international students — they are struggling and ending up in our food banks." 

Khan says it's important for the organization to provide halal options for the community, but their doors are open to everyone. 

The rising demand is also being felt at Chasdei Kaduri Jewish Food Bank in North York, which serves the thousands of people in the Jewish community and provides kosher items.

Jonathan Tebeka, executive director of the volunteer-run organization, says they are seeing people from all walks of life.

"From the elderly, the disabled, working families, single-parent households, you name it, everybody is finding themselves now in such horrible situations," Tebeka said.

"It's actually the worst it's ever been."