Our Goals
All activities of the Ontario Association of Food Banks (OAFB) are guided by a clear vision, mission and goals. Those statements are as follows:
Vision
A hunger-free Ontario.
Mission
Nurturing communities by providing food, funding and solutions to reduce hunger.
GOALS
Food Acquisition
Improve our ability to acquire a greater volume of high quality food
Partner Engagement
Engage all Ontarians and members as partners to support our work to reduce hunger
Capacity-building
Build capacity at member food banks on communications, operations, fundraising and poverty reduction
Public education and advocacy
Tell the story of those we serve and advocate for public policy change
Organizational development
Develop the human capital of the OAFB to improve our ability to achieve our vision
VALUES
Member-driven
We are a network of 120 member food banks. We must be driven by their needs and interests from the grassroots to ensure we are able to meet our vision and mission.
Integrity
We should be an accountable and transparent organization, meeting the highest standards of integrity in our finances, partnerships, communications and all activities.
Justice
We have a strong focus on doing what’s right for our members and the neighbours they serve across the province.
Impact
We strive to ensure that our work has a positive social, environmental and economic impact.
Consistency
We strive to ensure consistency in our partnerships, our public image, and our communications.
Innovation
We strive to be innovative through creative programs and solutions to reduce hunger in Ontario.
Collaboration
We work collaboratively with our members, partners, and government to achieve our vision.
Dignity and Respect
We strive to maintain dignity and respect amongst our clients, partners, donors, team members, and Board of Directors.
PROGRAMS
Food Acquisition and Distribution
Milk Program
Every year, we distribute one million litres of fresh, nutritious milk to member food banks through the generosity of the Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO), the Ontario Dairy Council (ODC), and the Ontario Milk Transporters Association (OMTA).
Perishable & Non-perishable Food Programs
Every year, we distribute millions of pounds of perishable and non-perishable products from the food industry in Ontario directly to member food banks through paid and donated transport providers.
Provincial Food Distribution Network
The OAFB home office coordinates the provincial food bank distribution network.
Operating and Capital Grants
We provide annual operating and capital grants to ensure our member food banks can support their local communities and other food banks in their region through the provincial network.
Food Drives
We coordinate numerous regional and province-wide food drive activities with grocery and other corporate partners. In addition, through our Buy Local, Share Local campaign, we work with local farmers, local farmers’ markets and local food banks to increase the sales and donations of fresh, local foods in Ontario.
Capacity Building
Group Insurance Plans
We offer group health, Directors & Officers, and General Liability insurance for our member food banks.
Best Practice Tools and Materials
We provide best practice tools and materials to our members including food handling resources, food drive kits, and a best practice client intake database.
Newsletter and Member Updates
We provide our members with regular information with important industry news and updates on our activities.
Annual Conference
We provide professional development and networking opportunities for our member food banks at our annual membership conference.
Sustainability grants and fundraising programs
We provide sustainability grants to improve revenue generation for members and organize fundraising programs such as customer supported cause-related campaigns in partnership with socially aligned companies.
Site visits
We visit our member food banks on a regular basis to provide in-person support and understand issues, challenges and best practices on the front line.
Public Education
Ontario Hunger Report
Our annual Ontario Hunger Report is a snapshot of hunger and poverty in Ontario including food bank figures, community profiles, and factors affecting food bank usage.
Research reports
We produce research reports and studies on a regular basis outlining important trends and public policy solutions for government.
Meetings with government representatives
We meet regularly with provincial government representatives to push for policy change and investments that will reduce poverty in Ontario.