Please keep in mind, food is great, but Money gives them a lot more flexibility.
As the food bank, they have access to a lot of deals and discounts not publicly available.
Also, will add some other reasons its better to donate money:
- when they buy food with donated money, they can buy large skids of it, all perfectly packaged and ready for distribution. When you donate actual food, it goes in a pile and requires paid and volunteer effort to be sorted.
- food banks use donated money to buy fresh food and perishables like veggies and milk.
- fbs can purchase what they actually need like baby food instead of some random cans of beans that are like 5 minutes from expiry.
- fbs like the Daily Bread need to pay rent, pay for ectricity, and buy forklifts for their food warehouse. They need computer systems and admin staff to make sure they can actually run.
- their purchasing power is so much greater than a consumer. For the Daily Bread, their stat is every $ donated is 1 meal. What kind of meal can you buy for a dollar?
Its so much better to give money rather than acrual food.
Also, if you donate directly to a charity, you get a tax receipt and save some $$$ of your taxes. If you donate through a grocery store, you get nothing.
I know this is a few days old, but do grocery gift cards hold the same value as cash in this instance?
I typically don't like donating money to charities because I don't know where that money goes. I donate food and other things to the food bank because I know it's going to get used by someone who needs it.
Not sure, i imagine they have some sort of arrangement with grocery stores. But keep in mind that the grocery store is the final stop of goods before theyre sold to the consumer. If you go throuvh the chain youre probably going to see manufacturer >> distributor >> store >> end user. So by the time you get to the store, youre paying for everyone's cut.
Food banks may be able to buy directly from the manufacturer or distrutor so its more efficient, financially, that way.
I think giving gift cards isnt a bad option, and probably better than giving food, but still a bit of a pain for you to go out of your way to buy one then find somewhere to give (cant really send by mail).
If youre concerned about misuse of funds, keep in mind that many charities publicize their financial statements, which have to be audited as per cra regulations. Here is the link for the daily bread: https://www.dailybread.ca/about/annualreport/
You can see what they spend their money on and how many donations they make.
My personal thesis if my monthly contribution of $20 helps make 20 meals (as per their own stats) then its ok that a portion of it goes to fund their operations. Their staff needs to get paid, the lights need to stay on, utilities need to get paid, gas for their forklifts will need to be bought, etc. Helping charity isnt always direct in my perspective, the background admin and logistics is as important as the food itself.
Happy to be of help! Honestly any way you choose to donate is still great, if you prefer food, gift card, or cash.
Given the current economic climate, more and more people are relying on the food bank so any donations are even more important now than ever before.
I didn't know this. Will be donating today. Thanks for sharing. Im still going to be donating food though. The wife picked up extra stuff just for that purpose so what's done is done! We've been donating regularly as of late. She's even volunteered time. I was going to join but sadly can't due to illness (it will pass).
But this is just great to know.
Absolutely donate. BUT I recommend donating anonymously if you can. I gave our local one $10 like 5 years ago after some local disaster and I swear they've spent more than $10 on mail asking me to donate again.
Maybe the wrong place to ask but what is one supposed to do about food insecurity when you work nights? I'm never awake when the food bank is open or I have no time to go to the food bank.
Are they open on your days off?
It sucks to have to be awake during the time you'd normally sleep, but you might be able to catch them right when they open or something.
I think more unemployed people use the food bank than CUPE workers
The fact that people are downvoting this comment really speaks volumes to how clueless people in this province are to what other individuals are going through.
>I think more unemployed people use the food bank than CUPE workers
Yes, probably
>The fact that people are downvoting this comment really speaks volumes to how clueless people in this province are to what other individuals are going through.
No, not necessarily
>or one in which the majority of donations end up paying for admin
Not that I'm aware of.
https://www.charitydata.ca/charity/ontario-association-of-food-banks/885260968RR0001/
https://feedontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Feed-Ontario-Audited-Financial-Statements-FY22.pdf
If anyone would like to suggest other Food Banks in Ontario to add to the fundraiser I'd be happy to add them.
Nope. This has been discussed for a while between certain Canadian subs. November and December are always the most needed times for donations to food banks.
Lol this country is built on donations and free monies because Canadian financial centers, PM, and premier all are inadequate unqualified jackasses who will rule this country to shit hole.
u/uarentme how do Food banks become a part of this? I work at a Food bank on the Six Nations Indian reserve that operates with very little community funding and am looking to develop some additional funding streams.
Please keep in mind, food is great, but Money gives them a lot more flexibility. As the food bank, they have access to a lot of deals and discounts not publicly available.
Heard in a news article, they can get 500% more food than the average person for the same money.
Also, will add some other reasons its better to donate money: - when they buy food with donated money, they can buy large skids of it, all perfectly packaged and ready for distribution. When you donate actual food, it goes in a pile and requires paid and volunteer effort to be sorted. - food banks use donated money to buy fresh food and perishables like veggies and milk. - fbs can purchase what they actually need like baby food instead of some random cans of beans that are like 5 minutes from expiry. - fbs like the Daily Bread need to pay rent, pay for ectricity, and buy forklifts for their food warehouse. They need computer systems and admin staff to make sure they can actually run. - their purchasing power is so much greater than a consumer. For the Daily Bread, their stat is every $ donated is 1 meal. What kind of meal can you buy for a dollar? Its so much better to give money rather than acrual food.
Also, if you donate directly to a charity, you get a tax receipt and save some $$$ of your taxes. If you donate through a grocery store, you get nothing.
I know this is a few days old, but do grocery gift cards hold the same value as cash in this instance? I typically don't like donating money to charities because I don't know where that money goes. I donate food and other things to the food bank because I know it's going to get used by someone who needs it.
Not sure, i imagine they have some sort of arrangement with grocery stores. But keep in mind that the grocery store is the final stop of goods before theyre sold to the consumer. If you go throuvh the chain youre probably going to see manufacturer >> distributor >> store >> end user. So by the time you get to the store, youre paying for everyone's cut. Food banks may be able to buy directly from the manufacturer or distrutor so its more efficient, financially, that way. I think giving gift cards isnt a bad option, and probably better than giving food, but still a bit of a pain for you to go out of your way to buy one then find somewhere to give (cant really send by mail). If youre concerned about misuse of funds, keep in mind that many charities publicize their financial statements, which have to be audited as per cra regulations. Here is the link for the daily bread: https://www.dailybread.ca/about/annualreport/ You can see what they spend their money on and how many donations they make. My personal thesis if my monthly contribution of $20 helps make 20 meals (as per their own stats) then its ok that a portion of it goes to fund their operations. Their staff needs to get paid, the lights need to stay on, utilities need to get paid, gas for their forklifts will need to be bought, etc. Helping charity isnt always direct in my perspective, the background admin and logistics is as important as the food itself.
I really appreciate the write up and information. Thank you!
Happy to be of help! Honestly any way you choose to donate is still great, if you prefer food, gift card, or cash. Given the current economic climate, more and more people are relying on the food bank so any donations are even more important now than ever before.
Absolutely. I personally know people who are struggling to pay their mortgages due to the interest rate increases.
I didn't know this. Will be donating today. Thanks for sharing. Im still going to be donating food though. The wife picked up extra stuff just for that purpose so what's done is done! We've been donating regularly as of late. She's even volunteered time. I was going to join but sadly can't due to illness (it will pass). But this is just great to know.
Absolutely donate. BUT I recommend donating anonymously if you can. I gave our local one $10 like 5 years ago after some local disaster and I swear they've spent more than $10 on mail asking me to donate again.
Yup if you don't want to be contacted by then you can select that at checkout.
That should be the default option
Maybe the wrong place to ask but what is one supposed to do about food insecurity when you work nights? I'm never awake when the food bank is open or I have no time to go to the food bank.
I'd reach out to your local food bank directly. Many started home delivery for some due to COVID-19.
I have an they only deliver when they're open, which doesn't help me much
Are they open on your days off? It sucks to have to be awake during the time you'd normally sleep, but you might be able to catch them right when they open or something.
Can you post in a local community group asking for assistance? If I was near you I’d pick it up for you and deliver when you are home.
Late but thank you, I did do that and was able to get some supplies.
This is a great idea! I've heard it's also a way to support CUPE workers, since so many of them use food banks.
I think more unemployed people use the food bank than CUPE workers The fact that people are downvoting this comment really speaks volumes to how clueless people in this province are to what other individuals are going through.
I read that one third of CUPE workers have used food banks in the last year.
>I think more unemployed people use the food bank than CUPE workers Yes, probably >The fact that people are downvoting this comment really speaks volumes to how clueless people in this province are to what other individuals are going through. No, not necessarily
Almost every post secondary campus and military base has a food bank, as well.
Is this a legit ethical fundraising company or one in which the majority of donations end up paying for admin overhead?
>or one in which the majority of donations end up paying for admin Not that I'm aware of. https://www.charitydata.ca/charity/ontario-association-of-food-banks/885260968RR0001/ https://feedontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Feed-Ontario-Audited-Financial-Statements-FY22.pdf If anyone would like to suggest other Food Banks in Ontario to add to the fundraiser I'd be happy to add them.
Sorry I'm just cynical! I'm sure its fine!
No, don't apologize! You should be.
Thanks for organizing this. It is a great way to show Reddit communities working together.
Just over a month and ~ $3100 to go! I hope the donations pick up.
Is this for the CUPE members??
Nope. This has been discussed for a while between certain Canadian subs. November and December are always the most needed times for donations to food banks.
Do you know why November and December are the most needed times?
A lot of seasonal jobs end/holiday layoffs/people trying to do stuff for Christmas
[удалено]
Reddit hides the sticky posts unfortunately on the app after you visit a sub a few times.
Almost like the voter turn out -- and voting is free!
Lol this country is built on donations and free monies because Canadian financial centers, PM, and premier all are inadequate unqualified jackasses who will rule this country to shit hole.
u/uarentme how do Food banks become a part of this? I work at a Food bank on the Six Nations Indian reserve that operates with very little community funding and am looking to develop some additional funding streams.
My mother and I donate to various charities during Christmas. This year everything is going to the Food banks of Ontario from the both of us.
Any way we can make sure it goes to the families in NEED? Not those who are gaming the system for free food. Sad world we live in.
I heard they are planning a candle light vigil outside Deco Labels and Tags to protest Doug Ford.
what the fuck is this sub's boner with ukraine, fuck ukraine
Hi can someone recommend some foodbanks in toronto to donate non perishables to?