Written by Shimona Patel & Iris Brown
As we mark the one-year anniversary of our relocation to 263 Dunn Avenue, we find ourselves reflecting on the whirlwind of a journey we've shared with our community, and all of the dedicated individuals who have supported us in getting here.
Why the Move to 263 Dunn Avenue?
Our move to 263 Dunn Avenue was spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, as we saw a staggering increase in the number of individuals accessing our services. The demand for our services continued to grow post pandemic, highlighting a critical need for more space and a more dynamic service model than what our location at 1499 Queen St. West could accommodate.
At the onset of the pandemic, to ensure social distancing, we transitioned from a shopping model, where clients could select their own items, to a grocery hamper model. This approach involved pre-packaged hampers containing a selection of basic necessities, distributed in a manner that minimized physical contact.
Prior to the pandemic, our shopping model allowed clients the autonomy to choose foods that best suited their cultural, dietary, and personal preferences. This model embodied our core values of choice, dignity, and respect, fostering a sense of community within our space and embracing the belief that joy is fundamental to nourishment.
The limitations of the hamper model became increasingly apparent as our community’s needs evolved. By early 2023, we found ourselves distributing hampers to over 6,000 individuals each month, a dramatic increase from the numbers served before the pandemic, which had been around 1,000 monthly. It was clear: we needed a new home that would not only accommodate our growing community but also allow us to return to a service model that truly respected our clients' needs and preferences.
The Search for a New Home
Finding the right location in Parkdale was challenging, but in March 2023, we secured 263 Dunn Avenue.
Despite the challenges of relocating with a small team during a bustling summer, we threw ourselves into transforming this space into a warm, welcoming, grocery store-style food bank. Our new home boasted colourful shelves stocked with a diverse array of foods, a community wall adorned with messages and artwork, and a brand new walk-in fridge and freezer.
Grand Opening: A Joyous Celebration
On July 15, 2023, we celebrated our grand opening with ice cream, snacks, and a raffle, supported by local businesses, including Robinson Bread, Type Books, Electric Island, and Terroni. Since then, our community and volunteer family have grown significantly.
We're now serving over 12,000 families each month, thanks to the support of our community.
A Year of Unforgettable Moments
Here are some highlights from our first year at 263 Dunn:
Our Growing PCFB Family: Over the past year, our staff and volunteer teams have grown, bringing fresh energy and ideas, and enriching our PCFB family. Their dedication has been instrumental in our success, and we are incredibly grateful for their unwavering support.
Winter Fundraisers: This past winter, our community’s generosity shone brightly. From holiday drives to winter-themed events, your support ensured our shelves remained stocked even during the colder months, allowing us to continue serving those in need.
Our Community Cookbook: September 2023 saw the launch of our bi-annual cookbook zine, a compilation of recipes contributed by our diverse community. This project not only celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Parkdale but also fosters a deeper connection among our neighbors, highlighting ingredients commonly found at the food bank and recipes close to our communities hearts.
Etobigrow Partnership: Etobigrow’s generous donation of a hydroponic grow unit has enabled us to grow fresh produce for our community members on site. Additionally, Etobigrow has donated seedlings for our community to take home and plant in their own gardens. This partnership has flourished thanks to the space available in our new location, allowing us to expand our support for community gardening and sustainable living. Thank you, Etobigrow, for your invaluable contribution!
Heartfelt Thanks to Our Partners
Our journey wouldn't be possible without our partners, donors, and volunteers. Your support has made a tangible difference. As we look forward to another year, we remain committed to serving our community with choice, dignity, and respect. Thank you for being part of our story.
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