North York Harvest Food Bank (NYHFB) has joined forces with Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC) to enhance its ‘Leadership in Logistics’ program, aiming to provide job training and employment opportunities for individuals affected by food insecurity.
The Leadership in Logistics initiative is a four-week paid internship that offers participants training in warehouse logistics, inventory management, and forklift operations. Through this program, individuals gain skills that prepare them for stable employment. Canadian Tire is supporting the program by committing to offer full-time, entry-level positions in roles such as Warehouse Worker or Material Handler to program graduates at its distribution centres.
Ryan Noble, Executive Director of North York Harvest Food Bank, highlighted the critical issues faced by the community and the need for long-term solutions.
“Toronto is facing an unprecedented crisis of affordability, poverty, and food insecurity. North York Harvest is seeing record levels of food bank usage,” Noble stated. “We understand that free food is only a temporary fix and that traditional charitable models fall short of solving prolonged food insecurity. This partnership demonstrates how a charity and a for-profit business can come together to foster lasting and sustainable change in our community.”
Since its inception in 2023, more than 80 percent of participants have completed the Leadership in Logistics program and secured full-time employment. The partnership with CTC aligns with NYHFB’s mission to offer practical training and direct access to job opportunities, providing both immediate relief and a pathway to sustainable livelihoods for those in need.
North York Harvest Food Bank, in addition to its emergency food services, is actively involved in social enterprise solutions and advocacy work aimed at tackling systemic issues of poverty. The organization continues to advocate for a more inclusive and resilient economy, offering programs that address both the immediate and long-term needs of the community.