The top 10 holiday food drives in Toronto for 2014

Holiday food drives in Toronto are getting underway for the 2014 season. Embrace the spirit of giving as the year draws to a close, and contribute to one of these annual food drives and year-round initiatives that provide hunger relief across the city.

Here are my picks for the top 10 holiday food drives in Toronto for 2014.

Second Harvest Turkey Drive

Help ensure people in need have a festive holiday meal this season by donating a bird through the Second Harvest Turkey Drive at participating Loblaws locations this weekend (Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14). If you can't make it out this weekend, donate funds online and see each dollar turned into two meals.

Daily Bread Food Bank

Donations of healthy, non-perishable foods are always welcome by the Daily Bread and holiday drive is in full force until December 31. Donations can be dropped off at your local fire hall and participating supermarkets.

North York Harvest Food Bank

Hoping to lend a hand to North York residents in need? Help the winter food drive reach its goal of raising $250,000 and 250,000 pounds of food by dropping off non-perishable donations at fire halls in the city's north end.

The Community Share Food Drive

Located inside the Church of Ascension at 33 Overland Dr., this food bank accepts non-perishable food items dropped off Tuesdays and Saturdays between 10am and noon, and at partnering North York churches.

Fort York Food Bank

Contribute non-perishable goods to this food bank located at 797 Dundas St. West. The food bank strives to stock a balanced variety of canned vegetables, fruits, meats and fish, plus cereals, dry pastas, peanut butter and soups, but encourages donors to be creative.

The Stop Community Food Centre

This food bank focuses on supplying families and individuals with healthy, whole foods. Donations are always accepted, but coordinators ask that you contact them first. Pantry items like flour, beans, rice, and peanut butter are especially appreciated; so are cash donations designated for fresh produce and dairy. Donate $25 and they'll distribute a food hamper for the holidays.

Yonge Street Mission

Help keep the shelves stocked at this charity organization that strives towards food security for Torontonians living in poverty. Among their greatest needs are canned goods, cereals, grains, hygiene products and baby diapers, formula and bottles.

Parkdale Community Food Bank

Parkdale Community Food Bank's plan is to delivery turkeys and toys on December 21 and in the lead up, this group is collecting frozen turkeys, hams and roasts, plus dessert mixes, puddings, cookies, crackers, and other non-perishable items.

Good Shepherd Ministries

Want to give more than canned goods? The Provide A Meal Program asks volunteers to make one casserole each month and provides disposable pans and recipes. Donors just drop off cooked casseroles to a freezer near by which are collected and warmed up at drop-in meal programs.

Toronto Vegetarian Food Bank

Set to launch in January 2015, this food bank is devoted to providing vegan-friendly foods, 50% of which will be fresh whole foods. Their partners at the Yonge Street Mission have already provided the space and now the volunteer-run organization is crowdfunding for food. Contribute to the cause on Indiegogo.

Did I miss any? Leave your picks for holiday food drives in the comments.

by Liora Ipsum via blogTO