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 Thursday 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 Thursdays for Summer 2023, running from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Appointments will be available every Wednesday before the service between 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Summer 2023 Service Dates:

Thursday, May 4, 2023
Thursday, May 11, 2023
Thursday, May 18, 2023
Thursday, May 25, 2023
Thursday, June 1, 2023
Thursday, June 8, 2023
Thursday, June 15, 2023
Thursday, June 22, 2023
Thursday, June 29, 2023
Thursday, July 6, 2023
Thursday, July 13, 2023
Thursday, July 20, 2023
Thursday, July 27, 2023
Thursday, August 3, 2023
Thursday, August 10, 2023
Thursday, August 17, 2023

Rules & Guidelines of Service: COVID-19

Two student clients will be allowed into the food bank room at a time
COVID-19 protocols will be followed while handling and distributing food
No food substitutions or exchanges will occur in light of COVID-19 and variances in supply

Book your appointment

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

What are the protocols and safety measures put in place in light of COVID-19?

Following UofT COVID-19 guidelines and building protocols, social distancing, optional masking
Arrival no more than 10 minutes before appointment time

How is the food bank being run?

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

What if I’m unable to pick up food during operating hours (11 a.m. - 3 p.m.)?

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 maya.james@utsu.ca or services@utsu.ca to change your appointment time, or arrange pick up on an alternate day

What can students expect from our service?

During Summer 2023, the service will run every Thursday. Any changes to the service will be updated on this website and the UTSU Instagram.

Are you accepting food donations?

For donation inquiries, please contact services@utsu.ca

Where else can I access community food support?

211 Ontario has the most complete directory of local food resources including Food Banks and Referrals, Food Delivery, Free/Low Cost Meals and more.
Use the UofT Emergency Food Bank

Can I volunteer at the UTSU Food Bank?

We are not currently recruiting volunteers. See the full volunteer posting here in August for fall 2023 volunteering.

Resources

Food Bank User Agreement

Expiry and Best Before Dates

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
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., closed Wednesday afternoons.

Fort York Food Bank

380 College St,
Toronto ON, M5T 1S6
416-203-3011
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Thursday: 9AM-12:00PM – (Doors close at 11:30AM; clients that arrive before this time will be served up until noon)
Friday: 9AM to 4PM
Saturday: 9AM to 12PM
Sunday: Hot Meal Service 12PM to 2PM

Lighthouse Food Bank

1008 Bathurst St,
Toronto ON, M5R 3G7
Hours of Operation: Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., registration starts at 12:30 p.m.

Please visit 211 Ontario for information on other food banks near you.