Tackling food insecurity with The Stop in Weston-Pelham Park

It’s no secret that Toronto is facing a food-insecurity crisis.

Fort York Food Bank, located at 380 College St., recorded approximately a 5,000-visit increase from Sept. 2024 to Sept. 2025.

The Daily Bread Food Bank’s Who’s Hungry 2025 report stated there were over 4.1 million food bank visits from April 2024 to March 2025.

This is why The Green Line encourages Torontonians to look after one another — your neighbours, people you’ll never meet, your friends — and provide support through donations and volunteering if you’re able.

One of the places that always welcomes donations is The Stop, a community hub that’s been active for over 40 years with three locations that blend community building and food access.

It “strives to increase access to healthy food in a manner that maintains dignity, builds health and community, and champions equity,” as self-described on its website.

At 1884 Davenport Rd., you’ll find all their frontline services from drop-in meal programs and food banks, perinatal services to food markets and community kitchens.

Their Green Barn, a food production and education centre, is located inside Wychwood Barns at 601 Christie St. It also houses their year-round farmers’ market.

The Stop’s newest location at 729 St. Clair West is a drop-in centre meant to bring the community together around food and activities.

• Canned goods:
  • Fruits, vegetables, vegetable juices, and 100% fruit juices
  • Pasta sauce
  • Tuna, salmon, and chicken
  • Beans, legumes, low-sodium broth, and soups
  • Shelf-stable unsweetened milk alternatives (rice, soy, almond, coconut, etc.)
  • Dried beans, legumes, and nuts
  • Brown or wild rice, whole grain pasta, cereals, tortillas, old-fashioned oats or low-sugar oatmeal, whole grain crackers, granola bars, and gluten-free options
  • Cooking oils, dried spices and herbs, and baking ingredients
  • Sugar-free applesauce and dried fruit
  • Dish soap and laundry detergent
  • Baby food, diapers, baby wipes, and infant formula
• Personal hygiene items:
  • Soap, shampoo, and conditioner
  • Menstrual products, including tampons, pads, and menstrual cups
  • Toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss
  • Deodorant
  • Disposable razors

What they accept:

• Canned goods:
  • Fruits, vegetables, vegetable juices, and 100% fruit juices
  • Pasta sauce
  • Tuna, salmon, and chicken
  • Beans, legumes, low-sodium broth, and soups
  • Shelf-stable unsweetened milk alternatives (rice, soy, almond, coconut, etc.)
  • Dried beans, legumes, and nuts
  • Brown or wild rice, whole grain pasta, cereals, tortillas, old-fashioned oats or low-sugar oatmeal, whole grain crackers, granola bars, and gluten-free options
  • Cooking oils, dried spices and herbs, and baking ingredients
  • Sugar-free applesauce and dried fruit
  • Dish soap and laundry detergent
  • Baby food, diapers, baby wipes, and infant formula

• Personal hygiene items:

• Soap, shampoo, and conditioner
• Menstrual products, including tampons, pads, and menstrual cups
• Toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss
• Deodorant
• Disposable razors

However, note that The Stop don’t accept clothing, toys, furniture, opened products, food or drinks that are expired or past the best before date.

They also don’t accept soda/pop or sugar-added beverages, potato chips, candy, chocolate bars, ramen noodles or canned pasta.

Email donate@thestop.org to discuss drop-off details.