Food Bank
The UTSU Food Bank has been running since 2001 and aims to address food insecurity on campus by operating a free, year-round Food Bank open to all University of Toronto students in need of food. This service provides support to single students and students with families.
We aim to provide a food bank that is accessible to students in light of COVID-19 in its new home at the Student Commons. Our goal is to ensure that all students using the UTSU Food Bank are treated with respect and that our food distribution is equitable and fair. At times we have limited supplies and will do our best to accommodate students.
Objectives:
- To ensure students have food in their cupboards
- Protect and maintain student confidentiality and privacy
- Address hunger as a health and wellness issue
- Accommodate different dietary and cultural needs (where possible)
- Provide a safe environment for students and staff in light of COVID-19
When:
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. every Friday by appointment
Where:
Food Bank Room 136 – Student Commons (230 College St., Huron St. entrance)
What to bring:
Valid T card or copy of current timetable, and reusable bags for carrying food!
Register to Use Service
- The food bank is open weekly on Fridays for Spring/Summer 2024, running from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m from Friday May 3, 2024 until Friday August 23, 2024.
- Appointments will be available every Wednesday before the service and open up at 9 a.m.
- Note: food bank will be closed on Friday May 24, 2024
- Note: food bank will run from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Thursday June 27, 2024
- Note: food bank will be closed on Friday August 30, 2024
Spring/Summer 2024 Service Dates:
- Friday, May 3, 2024
- Friday, May 10, 2024
- Friday, May 17, 2024
- CLOSED: Friday, May 24, 2024
- Friday, May 31, 2024
- Friday, June 7, 2024
- Friday, June 14, 2024
- Friday, June 21, 2024
- Thursday, June 27, 2024
- Friday, July 5, 2024
- Friday, July 12, 2024
- Friday, July 19, 2024
- Friday, July 26, 2024
- Friday, August 2, 2024
- Friday, August 9, 2024
- Friday, August 16, 2024
- Friday, August 23, 2024
- CLOSED: Friday, August 30, 2024
Rules & Guidelines of Service: COVID-19
- Two student clients are allowed into the food bank room at a time
- COVID-19 protocols (when applicable) will be followed while handling and distributing food
Book your appointment
Volunteer Testimonials
Merveille Massamba
I had a great pleasure volunteering for the UTSU Food Bank over the past two months. We were able to help about 235 students in the UofT community which was a great achievement! I think that the UTSU Food Bank is an important resource to have in the UofT community as many students struggle with food insecurity and finance issues. I was very happy and honoured to be a part of the team and help to accommodate students in need.
Sharanya Shankar
I was a summer volunteer at the UTSU Food Bank, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. The fast-paced atmosphere in the room during service hours, although challenging, was lively and a joy to experience.
This opportunity left me with many transferable skills such as customer service, teamwork, and problem-solving tactics, which I’ve been able to use in various forms! I look forward to volunteering at the UTSU Food Bank again in the future!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Following UofT COVID-19 guidelines and building protocols, social distancing, optional masking
- Arrival no more than 10 minutes before appointment time
- Touchless service, food is pre-packed (no substitutions or exchanges)
- Show your T-card or timetable each time
- Arrival no more than 10 minutes before appointment time
- Assign a proxy to access the UTSU Food Bank on your behalf. This could be a friend or family member, and they do not have to be a current U of T student.
- To do this, you must give your T-Card (or other proof of enrollment) to your proxy to show at the appointment.
- Email services@utsu.ca to change your appointment time, or arrange pick up on an alternate day
During Spring/Summer 2024, the service will run every Friday. Any changes to the service will be updated on this website and the UTSU Instagram.
Yes, we are currently accepting food donations.
For other donation inquiries, please contact services@utsu.ca
211 Ontario has the most complete directory of local food resources including Food Banks and Referrals, Food Delivery, Free/Low Cost Meals and more.
- We are not currently recruiting volunteers.
- Volunteer recruitment for the Fall 2024 semester will open up in August. See the full volunteer posting here in August.
Resources
Second Harvest’s Food Consumption Timetable
Did you miss the How to Reduce Food Waste at Home Workshop, presented by Second Harvest? Find the recording of the workshop here!
Scott Mission Food Bank
502 Spadina Ave,
Toronto ON, M5S 2H1
416-923-8872 (Main)
416-923-3916 (Food Bank)
Monday-Friday, 9-11:30 am & 1:30-3 pm, closed Wednesday afternoons.
Fort York Food Bank
380 College St,
Toronto ON, M5T 1S6
416-203-3011
Grocery Service: Tuesday 9 am–4 pm, Wednesday & Thursday: 9 am – 12 pm, Friday: 9 am – 4 pm, Saturday: 9 am – 12 pm
Random numbers are distributed at 8:45 am for the first 100 clients. Please do not arrive earlier. Anyone arriving after the numbers are distributed are welcome to line up.
Hot Meal Service: Sunday 12-1 pm
Lighthouse Food Bank
1008 Bathurst St,
Toronto ON, M5R 3G7
416-535-6262
Tuesday & Wednesday: 1-3 pm
Groceries are provided to people in need who live in their catchment area (north of Bloor, south of St. Clair West, west of Bathurst, east of Dovercourt/Oakwood).
Please visit 211 Ontario for information on other food banks near you.