Item - 2021.EC26.9

The Economic and Community Development Committee:

1.  Received the report (November 16, 2021) from the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration for information.

Staff from Social Development, Finance and Administration have pursued the direction from Toronto City Council to seek external funding for the work of Parents Engaged in Education and 5n2 Kitchens. Conversations with Provincial and Federal programs and other community funders are ongoing.

The Scheinberg Foundation, which provided a total of $920,000 to the City's TO Supports Investment Fund in 2020 to support community food programs, is now working with 5n2 Kitchens to support re-allocation expenses at a new location, once it is identified, and to strengthen the organization through the development of a social enterprise.

Additionally, Toronto City Council directed $450,000 in funding from Reserve Account XR2007 for 5n2 Kitchens to undertake renovations and create a proper food preparation area at 705 Progress Avenue should tenancy be secured to support renovating space to accommodate expanded services.

In 2020, the City received and disbursed $7.75 million in one-time funding to support the needs of vulnerable populations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. One-time funding from the Province of Ontario's Social Service Relief Fund, the Canadian Medical Association Foundation, and The Scheinberg Foundation were leveraged by the Social Development, Finance and Administration Division to create the TO Supports Investment Fund to invest in strategic partnerships with social services agencies to address urgent needs of vulnerable Toronto residents as a result of COVID-19. The funds were not intended to meet long-term recovery needs. The City has continued to advocate to the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada for greater funding to support the emergency and recovery needs found within Toronto communities.