A local cloud kitchen business in the Northwest corner of Toronto has partnered with various organizations and volunteers to deliver thousands of meals across the city of Toronto. “We are breaking a record of 10,000 meals delivered to hungry people in this city.” Said owner Steve of Kitchen24, known widely for his philanthropic habits and giveaway events.
Having come to Canada as an immigrant and struggled with poverty, his own past serves as a motivation for such feats. Said shared, “I know what it’s like to have nothing, and nobody deserves that. Nobody should be picking the trash for a meal.”
MPP Rakocevic and Councillor Perruzza hand out meals to local seniors at 35 Shoreham on Christmas Eve. (Photo credit: Rachel Scott)
Volunteer packers and delivery drivers met outside the Marmora Street location in the Jane and Wilson community to load up cars and head to various drop off points. Many of the organizations receiving donations were located in Humber River-Black Creek, with both local City Councillor and MPP getting involved to lend a hand. Local food security organization Inspire Eats was involved in the meal distribution to community members as well. “It was an honour for Inspire Eats to be a part of the team that helped accomplish Kitchen24’s goal of 10,000 meals across the GTA this season,” said Katherine Cirlincione, Program Director. “We are looking forward to working together with our community partners on future successful plans providing access to quality and nutritious food to our neighbours.”
Community members such as Christine Campbell, founder of the Women Stand Proud Aloud organization expressed their gratitude for the meals. “…Much thanks to Mr. Perruzza and his staff, for the wonderful meals!” said Christine after helping distribute a number of meals to folks in the Jane Finch community.
Councillor Perruzza also expressed his support for the endeavour. “My office and I were grateful for a chance to give back this holiday season by joining Steve and Kitchen24 for this kind initiative. We hope to continue to support the great work of Kitchen24, and other organizations working to help end food insecurity across the GTA." Said Perruzza.
MPP Tom Rakocevic also shared words of support for the work of Kitchen24. “Food security has been an issue for many families and individuals across our city. This pandemic has only made the situation worse.” Shared Rakocevic.
“Many organizations have worked hard to help struggling families cope. An incredible example has been Kitchen24 which has made and served over 100,000 meals and counting for those in need.”
Though Christmas may be over, Kitchen24 has not stopped donating meals. Churning out hundreds of meals destined for at-risk groups every week, the hard work of fighting against food insecurity continues.