March 16, 2020 was my first day as The Stop’s new Executive Director. Suddenly, the organization I’d been part of for over 9 years was called to meet an urgent new demand.

That morning, we suspended our community programs and focused on emergency food access—preparing takeout meals and long-lasting food hampers—as we swiftly implemented procedures to keep everyone safe.

I’m not alone in this transition: COVID-19 has caused so many of us to step into leadership roles to meet the needs of our communities.

I’m immensely grateful for our staff, volunteers, donors, and supporters who’ve rallied to keep each other safe and healthy through the pandemic. From our frontline workers packing hampers, to the donors who’ve supported our work, to the mutual aid groups that have sprung up across the city—we have all a part to play in looking out for one another.

We know that meals alone can’t build a community’s resilience. Our power comes from our connections, and our responsibility, to each other.

As we continue to ride out the pandemic, The Stop is looking to the future. The 1 in 7 Torontonians who struggle with food insecurity will need more support as our country recovers and attention moves elsewhere. Our organization must plan for innovation, so that we can efficiently respond with programs and advocacy—no matter what the future holds.

We also must acknowledge our complicity in the systemic racism that exists in the charitable sector. The Stop has a responsibility to challenge the white supremacy culture that creates inequality. I believe that changing our own culture begins at the top: we must re-imagine the role of our Board and leadership, and set a new table for 2021.

This has been an incredibly difficult year for so many. As I reflect on what we’ve accomplished, learned, lost, and gained in 2020, I am bolstered by the knowledge that, whatever comes next, The Stop will remain here for our community.

Thank you so much for being a part of it.