Food bank prepares for World Cup disruptions downtown
Daily Bread Food Bank redirecting clients during FIFA matches as road closures and exclusion zones near Toronto Stadium create access challenges.
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The Daily Bread Food Bank is reconfiguring operations across Toronto to serve vulnerable clients during the FIFA World Cup, when road closures and exclusion zones will make reaching some locations difficult or impossible.
The downtown location on Queen Quay West will close on game days, with clients redirected to alternative sites like Alexander Park on Carr Street. The food bank operates over 200 programs across the city, and CEO Neil Hetherington said many locations have shifted hours or changed pickup days to accommodate the disruptions.
"Some locations have switched days, some locations have switched hours so it's based on the individual locations," Hetherington said. The organization is sending extra food to locations in the perimeter area to ensure clients can stock up during less disruptive times.
Daily Bread has applied to the City of Toronto for permits allowing its trucks to drive through street closures—essential-service status would guarantee delivery capacity during games. The application remains pending approval. Hetherington urged clients to plan ahead for longer wait times and transit delays caused by World Cup traffic and increased TTC ridership.