North York Harvest Food Bank is a 4-star charity with Average demonstrated impact per dollar spent. It is financially transparent, has overhead spending within Ci's reasonable range, and has above-average results reporting. 

Founded in 1986, North York Harvest Food Bank (NYH) provides food assistance, education, advocacy, and long-term food solutions to help create a community where all members can meet their food needs. 

In F2023, North York Harvest allocated 61% of program spending to food distribution programs and 36% to community food banks and programs. The remaining 3% is grants to other food banks. Along with running community gardens and kitchens where program participants can learn skills and socialize, NYH runs four food banks: Bathurst-Finch, Oriole, Lawrence Heights, and Albion Library Community Food Space. NYH reports 291,725 clients served in F2023, up 30% from F2022. It reports that 47% of its clients were first-time clients. The charity states that of its clients, 57% are female, 25% are children (under 18), and 10% are seniors. 

In F2022, NYH collected and distributed food to 38 member agencies across northern Toronto. The network of agencies delivered more than 77 community food programs. In F2019, North York Harvest merged with FoodReach. FoodReach is a program where non-profit organizations can purchase bulk food from North York Harvest. The charity reports that in F2022 it completed 2,908 deliveries. The charity also hosted 90 sorting events.  

NYH’s Who’s Hungry 2023 report describes current statistics on the people and areas most affected by hunger, the causes of hunger, and solutions to hunger in Toronto. NYH published the report in partnership with Daily Bread Food Bank after completing 1,384 client interviews. The report states there was a 154% increase in new clients at Toronto food banks in 2023. The report highlights high cost of living, insufficient income support, precarious employment, and lack of affordable housing as primary causes of food insecurity. 

North York Harvest Food Bank had total donations and special events revenue of $3.7m in F2023. It also received $1.1m in fees for services (21% of revenues) and $481k in government funding (9%). 

Administrative costs are 6% of revenues and fundraising costs are 18% of donations and special events revenue. This results in total overhead spending of 24%. For every dollar donated, 76 cents are available for programs, which is within Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending. 

In F2023 North York Harvest Food Bank spent $4.5m on its programs and grants (82% of total revenues). The charity had a small $8k deficit.

NYH has $1.9m in reserve funds. These are the charity’s cash and investments, net of $55k in interest-bearing debt. The charity could cover 42% or five months of its annual program costs with reserves. 

This report is an update that was sent to North York Harvest Food Bank for review. Changes and edits may be forthcoming. 

Updated August 14, 2024 by Alessandra Castino.