SHARE365 food box program helps provide southwest Scarborough residents in need with food and other items

By LILLIE QIU

In southwest Scarborough, there exists an initiative to combat food insecurity among neighbourhood residents.

Katharine Harvey is a volunteer with the SHARE365 food box program at the Birchmount Bluffs Neighbourhood Centre.

On a recent morning of the food boxes and hygiene items pick-up day for families, Harvey is busy. She speaks to people dropping by who are interested in the food program, calls families each month to remind them of pick-up dates, which includes letting them know what hygiene products are available, and chats with them to ask how their families are doing.

With a background in business, Harvey became involved with the non-profit sector and helping those in need after she retired and was looking for something to do.

She said volunteering with the food box program is an “honour” for her.

“I’m proud to be part of a community that helps its people,” said Harvey.

The Birchmount Bluffs Neighbourhood Centre, which operates inside the Birchmount Community Centre at 93 Birchmount Rd., is a busy place on any given day. With a daycare, swimming programs, and children’s basketball and soccer programs taking place in the facility, the centre is buzzing with activity every day.

The SHARE365 food box program provides a box of fresh fruits and vegetables for families and groups on a monthly basis.

The personal touch of volunteers makes a significant difference for those receiving the food boxes.

For instance, when a food box recipient had been standing for a long time, a volunteer, Tara, promptly offered a chair — a small gesture that speaks to the supportive environment the centre fosters. The program provides more than just essentials; it provides a sense of community, dignity, and care for those facing financial hardships.

For some, this monthly food box eases the burden of grocery expenses, allowing them to allocate precious funds towards rent, utilities, and other bills.

“It helps a lot, especially with the rise in cost for food and just living in general. I have two kids I had back to back, they’re both under the age of two, so getting diapers and wipes helps tremendously,” said Natasha, who lives in the area and uses the food program jointly with her mom. 

A Statistics Canada study on food insecurity found that the risk of being food insecure was much higher for people living below the poverty line.

“A number of our families are under-employed. They might have a couple of part-time jobs, or only one of them is able to work based on their childcare needs,” said Harvey.

Another pressing challenge food box recipients are experiencing is the need for suitable housing, she added.  

For those community residents facing such challenges, SHARE365 food box program offers relief, support, and a sense of hope for the families it serves.

For more information on the Birchmount Bluffs Neighbourhood Centre, please go to https://bbnc.ca/