​Since inception, the Parkdale Community Food Bank has been shaped by our volunteers, supporters, and the community we serve. For years, we have dreamed of a space to call our own, a place where our neighbours can come together, and our programs can thrive. That dream is now a reality.

 

Our Journey

Our story began in November 2007 when it was announced that  Saint Phillips Pantry would be closing after 25 years of serving the community. In response, a group of dedicated volunteers, supported by local organizations and activists, launched a grassroots movement to rebuild what had been lost. 

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By March 2008, we were incorporated as a nonprofit and our mission became clear: Embracing the belief that joy is fundamental to nourishment, our mission is to create a hunger-free community. Through barrier-free access to diverse food options, every person who walks through our doors has a place at our table.​

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Welcome to 5 Brock Avenue

Over the years, the demand for our services grew rapidly, making it increasingly clear that we needed a larger space to better support our community. However, securing rental space as a food bank in Toronto presented significant challenges. With soaring rents and the unfortunate reality that some landlords view food banks as less-than-ideal tenants or neighbors, finding a suitable location that met our needs proved to be a daunting task.

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When we saw 5 Brock Avenue we knew that we had found a space we could call home. Not only was the building located in the heart of Parkdale, less than a 5 minute walk from our then home at 263 Dunn Avenue, but it also had the space we needed in order to:

• Reunite all of our programming under one roof, creating a true hub for the Parkdale community. 

• Maintain our shopping model, allowing individuals and families to choose the food items that best meet their needs.

• Improve accessibility, ensuring a welcoming, barrier-free environment for all.

• Create a lasting impact and foundation for our future, building a space that will serve Parkdale for years to come.

 

In January 2025, we opened the doors of our new home, thanks to the generosity of our volunteers, donors, and supporters. 5 Brock Avenue is more than just a building, it is a long-term investment in food security and community support. Our new home has allowed us to fulfill the vision that that group of volunteers had nearly two decades ago. Parkdale now has a food bank that is here to stay.

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In our vision, Parkdale Community Food Bank is a place of respect, support, and shared resources where everyone deserves the opportunity to access food with joy.  5 Brock belongs to the community, and we are committed to continuously improving it to better serve those who rely on our services. 

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Some of the enhancements we are currently working on include:

• Lowering the entrance in our client service area to ensure maximum accessibility.

• Installing skylights in the staff offices to create a brighter, more welcoming workspace.

• Transforming a portion of the space into a volunteer lounge, to show our appreciation for the hard work they do and give them somewhere to unwind and relax. 

Keep checking this page for more updates on the improvements we’re making!​

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Donate today to help us turn our new home into a welcoming and accessible space for our community!