Transforming Libraries Into Food Banks

Toronto has started to re-purpose it’s closed down libraries into food banks, in an effort to assist the city’s most vulnerable residents. So far, four libraries have been converted to food banks, with another two libraries following suit on Tuesday, April 8.

Toronto Mayor John Tory announced that a total of nine libraries in total will be converted to food banks across the city. Libraries were among the first to be shut due to the coronavirus emergency in the province of Ontario.

In an effort to ensure that the food needs of vulnerable residents continue to be met, we will be opening 9 food banks at @TorontoLibrary locations across the city, with 6 open as of today. Thank you to our incredible Library team who have stepped up to help where needed. pic.twitter.com/bh0zI6ASVe

— John Tory (@JohnTory) April 7, 2020

Mayor Tory said the measure was put in place to continue to meet “the food needs of vulnerable residents”, after nearly 40% of the food bank programs in to capital of Ontario shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first food bank was launched in partnership with North York Harvest Food Bank, with 3 more locations opening up in partnership with the Daily Bread Food Bank. As a sign of support, companies like Sobeys and Loblaws have made donations in the form of food and other essential supplies.

According to the City of Toronto website, the City will be creating more food bank programs across the city within Toronto Community Housing buildings, as well as other community centers which house Toronto’s most vulnerable residents.