Growing Community. Feeding Change.

The Stop's Food Bank

At The Stop, we believe good food is a human right. Together, we are working towards championing food security in Toronto.

Our Story

The Stop was started by the late Reverend Cam Russell and his wife Shirley in response to the high number of marginalized individuals seeking help at their rectory at Saint Stephen-in-the-Fields in Kensington Market, Toronto in the late 1970’s. Initially providing sandwiches and small amounts of cash, they soon realized that people were returning for connection and support rather than just food. This led to deeper engagement in advocacy and support services, culminating in the formal establishment of Stop 103 at 103 Bellevue Ave. in 1982.

While The Stop has moved locations a few times since then and has also grown into a larger organization with expanded programs and staff, its core mission has remained consistent with the founders' original vision. Initially focused on providing immediate food assistance and advocacy, The Stop has evolved into a more structured organization dedicated to providing dignity, empowerment, and community. It is our aim to work alongside community members to reimagine a society rooted in food justice, equity, and shared opportunity.

The Four Pillars That Guide Our Work

The Stop's core values

Foster Partnerships + Innovation

We collaborate across sectors to deliver impactful programs and develop innovative solutions to food insecurity.

Build Resilience

We adapt, grow, and strengthen our organization to meet evolving community needs with care and responsiveness.

Amplify Our Voice

We advocate for systemic change by raising awareness and influencing policies that impact food and economic justice.

Champion Inclusion

We create welcoming, equitable spaces where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered.

Our Mission

The Stop Strives To Increase Access to Healthy Food in a Manner That Maintains Dignity, Builds Health and Community, and Champions Equity

The State of Food Access in Ontario

Food insecurity affects tens of thousands of people across Ontario every day, making it difficult for many to access enough nutritious food. Rising costs, systemic inequities, and gaps in support leave households struggling to meet their basic needs. By understanding these challenges, we can work together to strengthen access to healthy, culturally meaningful food and support communities in building resilience and well-being.

25% of Canadians are experiencing food insecurity

– Who’s Hungry Report 2025, Daily Bread Food Bank

Food insecurity in Toronto has reached a crisis state with 4.1 million food bank visits from April 2024 to March 2025

– Who’s Hungry Report 2025, Daily Bread Food Bank

2.4 million children, in Canada lived in food-insecure households in 2025.

– PROOF, University of Toronto

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter to hear about The Stop’s vital food programs, advocacy campaigns, and exciting events.

Learn More About Our Programs

Food bank

Healthy Beginnings

The Stop's Farmers' Market

Read About Our Impact

Our annual impact reports share the stories, data, and milestones that show how The Stop’s programs, volunteers, and community partners are improving food access, building connections, and strengthening communities across Toronto. Explore the full reports to learn more about what we’ve achieved, and how your support helps make it possible.

Read Our Annual Impact Report
View Our Financial Statement

The Stop is the best community emergency food program I’ve come across. At the food bank, you receive high-quality items, and they are generous with the quantities — far more so than many other food banks in the city. What truly sets The Stop apart is the staff. They are consistently polite, respectful, and genuinely caring.

Community member

I’m a single mother and my paycheque is not enough to support my family anymore [. . .] The Stop’s staff was able to help me get food for me and my family for the weekend. You were patient and helped me find other food banks I would be able to access [. . .] I am so grateful The Stop was here when I needed it.

Program participant

I definitely needed help and The Stop has been there for me emotionally with all the friends I have made, physically because I received healthy food choices, financially because I became an advocate, and even mentally because I have learned so much from the classes and from The Stop client members and the people I work with.