InsideToronto | Lisa Rainford | June 25, 2016

FoodShare Toronto is Canada’s largest food security organization

Just as the kitchen is the heart of a home, so too is it for the non-profit organization FoodShare which provides healthy food and food education to communities across Toronto.

It is far more than its appliances and cabinets – it’s where FoodShare offers a place, for example, for women receiving breast cancer treatment to cook together; it’s where young people learn the importance of a healthy diet, not to mention a space where people generally connect.

Yet the food agency is gearing up for a move from its current location in a Toronto District School Board (TDSB) building at Bloor West and Dufferin streets to the Mount Dennis neighbourhood where its new space is lacking a kitchen. At least for now.

See: Crowdfunding Guide for Nonprofits and Charities

FoodShare is in the midst of a crowdfunding campaign in an effort to raise $30,000 to install a kitchen in its new space at 120 Industry St.

“We see the kitchen as the heart and soul of FoodShare,” spokesperson Heidi Pyper said. “The kitchen is a pricey piece of the move. We’re asking for a little bit from a lot of people. Ten dollar donations add up.”

As of Thursday, June 23, the campaign had raised $23,000 – in its first week. People are asked to make donations before July 16 in anticipation of the move in mid-August. To keep costs down, FoodShare is keeping as much equipment as possible, such as coolers and ovens. It is in need of a new range hood, some plumbing and some walls.

“The building we are in now is being reclaimed by the TDSB,” Pyper said about the reason for the move.

The TDSB space had time restrictions on the kitchen. It was only open during daytime hours. The move will allow for more “breathing room,” said Alvin Rebick, kitchen and good-food program senior manager.

“We’re moving into a (building) where we’ll have free use of the space 24-hours a day, seven days a week,” he said.

Continue to the full article --> here