The Stop Community Food Centre: Growing Together

Once upon a time, The Stop opened in Toronto as one of Canada's first food banks, providing food to those who couldn't otherwise get it. Over the years, The Stop has expanded both its real estate and its mandate, because they believe that simply providing handouts doesn't solve the underlying problems causing people to go hungry. To that end, they have created an entire list of services, all with the aim of allowing the community to work together to provide the necessities of life - including food - for all. The Stop now provides community services including a drop-in, food bank, perinatal program, civic engagement, bake ovens & markets, community cooking, community advocacy, sustainable food systems education and urban agriculture.

The latest addition to The Stop’s formidable army of services includes their absolutely wonderful Green Barn - a sustainable food production and education centre housing a greenhouse, food systems education programs, a sheltered garden, community bake oven, compost demonstration centre and market. This amazing initiative has become a community focal point to allow people to develop relationships as well as healthy food attitudes and eating habits, and is worthy of heaps of praise - in fact, I would be surprised if this initiative doesn't get copied in cities from coast to coast. If you're interested in touring the Green Barn at The Stop, they have public drop-in hours on Fridays and Saturdays.

And, if you're looking for something to do tonight (November 4th) - The Stop's Annual Fundraiser, What's On The Table, is taking place at the Green Barn itself. Enjoy the works of loads of fantastic local chefs and bid on wonderful auction items, all to raise money for The Stop. Get more information or buy tickets here.