Help this Toronto food bank support Spanish-speaking newcomers

The Centre for Spanish-Speaking Peoples (CSSP) is looking for volunteers to help run its food bank.

The CSSP food bank, located at 2141 Jane St. in Oakdale-Beverley Heights, has already helped 2,500 community members and has seen a 200% increase in registrations for support between April 2025 and March 2026, Rosanna Araujo, the centre’s community engagement and facilities manager, told The Green Line over email.

Now, it’s seeking volunteers to help with inventory preparation and food distribution.

Araujo said volunteers feel “a sense of pride knowing their work is making an impact” amid the growing “food insecurity individuals and families are facing.”

If you’re interested in helping out, here’s what you need to know:

• The food bank runs biweekly on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and on Fridays from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• Volunteers must be able to lift at least 25 pounds and perform other physical tasks, including bending, standing and climbing stairs.
• The centre is easily accessible by TTC and is located near the corner of Jane Street and Wilson Avenue, in northwest Toronto. Parking is also available for those who drive.

But before showing up, email Araujo at rosanna.a@spanishservices.org.

Beyond volunteers, the centre also welcomes donations of food and household items, such as:

• Food
  • Canned goods
  • Rice, pasta and other dry foods
  • Peanut butter and other spreads
  • Other non-perishable items
  • The centre doesn’t accept fresh produce

• Household items
  • Toiletries and personal care items
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Diapers and other essential family items

Do you know a Spanish speaker who would benefit from CSSP’s services? Send them the blurb below to let them know about it.

Si eres recién llegado a Toronto y hablas español, el Centro para Gente de Habla Hispana (CGHH) puede interesarte. El centro ofrece servicios de asentamiento, clases de inglés, una clínica legal, un banco de alimentos cada dos semanas y programas dirigidos a mujeres, jóvenes y adultos mayores. También cuenta con un programa de salud sexual. Está ubicado en North York, cerca de la intersección de Jane Street y Wilson Avenue. Puedes seguir al CGHH en sus redes sociales para mantenerte al tanto de sus servicios, programas y próximos eventos.