A charitable group in Etobicoke has faced challenges while providing food on Toronto Senior Housing Corporation (TSHC) property, but the individuals benefiting from the service are now speaking out about its significance.
For the past 16 months, Food for Now, a local non-profit organization, has been operating outside a senior’s building in the Lakeshore Village neighborhood with the help of approximately 25 volunteers. Every Friday evening, they offer free food and essential items to the community, many of whom reside in the building and depend on mobility aids.
John Jeffreys, a client of Food for Now, shared, “I’m only on Ontario Works, so there’s like $400 left after my rent is paid that I live on for the month, which is nothing. I doubt it, because the food I get from them lasts me like 3 days, I don’t eat it all at one time.”
Despite facing obstacles from TSHC, Food for Now initially moved with the permission of two leased businesses on the property. However, they were later served with a notice to vacate the TSHC premises or face trespassing charges. Founder Daniel Lauzon expressed his determination to continue serving the neighborhood’s needs and has relocated operations to the sidewalk in front of the building.
In a change.org petition, Lauzon appeals to TSHC to allow them to operate one day per week for a few hours, emphasizing the vital support they provide to 60 to 120 individuals weekly. TSHC has stated that they are working with Food for Now towards a solution and a meeting is scheduled for the upcoming week.
Lauzon remains committed to serving the community, stating, “Worst case scenario we would do it on the sidewalk, and if it rains or snows, having the permission to go over there.” Food for Now relies on community donations to sustain its operations.