CMHA Toronto launches food bank to address food insecurity

May 10, 2023

Food insecurity is a contributing factor to poor health outcomes and is an exacerbating problem for people with mental health challenges. Food insecurity may cause individuals to experience additional stress, anxiety, and depression, which can worsen their mental health challenges. The food bank program aimed to address this concern by providing nutritious food options to CMHA Toronto clients in need, helping to address this critical issue.

"There are no words to describe how much the food bank helps - I really, really appreciated it, money is so tight for me.  There are other food banks I could go to but I feel afraid to go, Routes is like my family and I am not afraid when I go there"
Food Bank Client

This winter the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Toronto launched a food bank program to support our clients with mental health challenges who were also struggling with food insecurity. The food bank was made possible thanks to funding from the United Way Greater Toronto.

"We know that access to healthy food is essential for good mental and physical health," said Michael Anhorn, CEO of CMHA Toronto. "Unfortunately, many of our clients struggle with food insecurity and may not have access to the food they need to stay healthy. That's why we decided to start this food bank program – to ensure that our clients have access to healthy and nutritious food options."

"We are committed to supporting the health and well-being of our clients, and this new food bank program is just one way that we can help to address the issue of food insecurity"
Michael Anhorn, CEO, CMHA Toronto

The food bank program operated out of CMHA Toronto's offices and was run by program staff at Routes and Pathways. One client shared, "There are no words to describe how much the food bank helps - I really, really appreciated it, money is so tight for me.  There are other food banks I could go too but I feel afraid to go, Routes is like my family and I am not afraid when I go there"

Clients were able to access the food bank on a regular basis and were provided with a variety of healthy food options, including fresh fruits and vegetables, canned goods, and other non-perishable items. Staff also arranged to deliver food to clients who were unable to come to our offices.

"We are committed to supporting the health and well-being of our clients, and this new food bank program is just one way that we can help to address the issue of food insecurity," said Anhorn. "We hope that this program will provide our clients with the support they need to lead healthy and fulfilling lives."

The launch of the food bank program came at a time when many people across the country are struggling with food insecurity due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. By providing healthy and nutritious food options to its clients with mental health challenges, CMHA Toronto is taking an important step to support the health and well-being of those in need.

More News from CMHA Toronto

I felt like a human being. I felt like I was contributing to society again. It reminded me that I still have something to give despite everything that I've gone through

Jacqualine turns her life around

A six-month community treatment order started Jacqualine on a road to recovery that took her life in directions she could barely have imagined. Thanks to her own active engagement, growing
Learn More
Image

Demand up, supply down: Coping with the post-COVID mental health service crisis

The Intake, Information & Referral Team [Amanda at centre and Maria at far right] and student volunteers at a mental health and wellness fair held at the Jane-Finch Mall in
Learn More
Image

A day in the life of a CMHA Toronto case manager

Sabrina Giralico sat down with us to talk about her role as a case manager with CMHA Toronto. This interview has been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.
Learn More

Contact Us

West Office
700 Lawrence Ave W,
Suite #480 Toronto,
ON M6A 3B4

East Office
1200 Markham Rd,
Suite #500 Scarborough,
ON M1H 3C3

Subscribe to
Living. Working. Belonging.

A monthly newsletter from CMHA Toronto about thriving together and improving mental health care