Our Work
The Stop uses a holistic approach to increase access to healthy food in a manner that maintains dignity, builds health and community, helps community members access resources, and challenges inequality.
Emergency Food Access
What we eat, and how we eat it, has a powerful impact on our sense of self. Our ability to access the foods we love, to express ourselves through cooking, and to share our traditions with others can build pride in our identities. It also deepens the connections we have with our families, cultures, and neighbours. Food is at the heart of all of our work at The Stop. We provide opportunities for people to share a meal, enjoy a taste of home, and foster their sense of community. Using food as a tool, we aim to improve the mental and physical health of people experiencing poverty or even homelessness.
Community Building
Once we get our community members through the door with a free meal or a food hamper, we can start connecting them to resources they may not know of. We can help them with perinatal supports, their taxes, getting ID, and refer them to other services that may be helpful for them. We connect them to other community members going through similar situations and help them build community and let them know they are not alone.
Urban Agriculture
We empower community members to come together, learn how to grow their own food, and spend time in nature at our three community gardens: Earlscourt, our Mashkikii;aki’ing Indigenous Medicine Wheel Garden, and our Global Roots program.
Growing plants, spending time with others in a safe and supportive environment, being active outdoors and bringing home healthy produce harvested from the garden can also contribute to positive mental health outcomes.