Second Harvest

Second Harvest is the largest food rescue program in Canada. For the past 26 years, Second Harvest has been picking up donated, excess food, which would otherwise go to waste, and delivering that food to 216 community agencies in Toronto. Recognized for its efficiency and impact of services, independent research group Charity Intelligence Canada named Second Harvest a Top Pick Charity in 2011.

SECOND HARVEST at a glance

  • We are the main provider of fresh food to people in need in Toronto

·         Over 6 million pounds of food delivered in the last 12 months

  • All our food is donated by local food retailers, manufacturers, restaurants, caterers

·         we do not purchase food

  • Children and youth represent almost 40% of all our food recipients
     
  • We supply high-nutrition food for over 200 social service agencies

·         fresh fruit and vegetables,100% juices, fresh and frozen meat and milk

·         healthy bagged lunches for children in low income families at day camps

·         high-protein foods for seniors and sick people with special dietary needs

  • We reduce pollution by diverting our rescued excess food from landfills

·         over 3 million pounds of greenhouse gases prevented every year

  • Supported by hundreds of corporations, foundations, and the community at large

·         no ongoing funding from the government or from United Way

·         over 14,000 volunteer hours

  • Three major annual events:

·         Turkey Drive (December) - Holiday food and funds drive

·         Lunch Money Day (February) - led by employee and community groups

·         Toronto Taste (June) - Toronto's premiere cullinary event

  • We are efficient:         

·         it costs us just 50 cents to deliver enough food for one meal

  • We are transparent:   

·         our annual report is posted online

·         our audited financial statements are available to anyone at anytime

  • We are responsible:     

·         led by a Volunteer Board of committed business and community leaders

  • We make a huge social  impact: 

·         we deliver enough food for over 17,000 meals a day!