April 6, 2020
Dear Neighbours,
I want to thank everyone for your efforts during this very difficult time. It is very important for all of us, to the best of our ability to follow the mandatory social distancing bylaw!
Please see the following End of Day Update regarding (COVID-19) key messages and resources from the City of Toronto:
Food security and access
The City is working with 211, United Way Greater Toronto, and other Toronto agencies to ensure low-income and vulnerable residents continue to have food access – a need that has increased dramatically with the COVID-19 pandemic. Up-to-date information on food access is available by calling 211 or going online to: https://covid19.211central.ca/. Corporate partners have stepped up with significant contributions to help ensure that community food programs in Toronto – including food banks, multi-service centres, home delivery programs, meal drop-ins – can continue. Additionally, the City is working with several community programs to address the multiple issues associated with food access during the pandemic. More information is available in today’s news release:
Food donations
Residents who are able, are encouraged to donate non-perishable food to food banks or drop off food donations at local fire halls. Restaurants or food businesses with surplus food are encouraged to donate to Second Harvest’s FoodRescue.ca. Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to register with VolunteerToronto.ca or SPARKOntario.ca
City of Toronto urges residents to adapt faith-based holiday observances during COVID-19 pandemic
In the coming weeks, people across our city will be observing Passover, Easter, and the start of Ramadan. Normally an opportunity to spend time with family and faith-based communities, the City urges everyone to continue to follow provincial orders closing places of worship and limiting gatherings as well as the public health recommendations to remain at home, leaving only for essential reasons. The holidays are important spiritually and emotionally for many and to support this people are encouraged to connect with loved ones, friends, and vulnerable members of the community online or by phone. Residents should also check with their place of worship for information on online services and other innovative ways to connect while staying physically apart.
Grocery shopping in advance of the holidays
Grocers are anticipating that tomorrow and the upcoming Thursday and Saturday will be busy and ask people to limit shopping on these days. General advice for grocery shopping remains:
- Grocery shop only one day per week and buy only what you need for up to two weeks
- Respect store hours dedicated to seniors, vulnerable persons, and essential service workers (normally the first hour stores are open)
- Have a list of items, shop efficiently, and do not casually browse
- Do not touch food or products you are not intending to buy
- Practise physical distancing
- When possible, pay with a card or phone tap rather than cash
Yard waste
Yard waste collection resumes today for two weeks (April 6 –April 17). Please place yard waste out before 7 a.m. on your collection day and it leave out until it’s collected. Please bag your yard waste and refrain from using open-top bins to ensure the health and safety of our workers. Information and updates are available here: https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/affected-city-services/?accordion=garbage-recycling-and-organics
A list of food banks and soup kitchens in Ward 24 can be found here:
Please remember to call ahead to book to ensure they are properly stocked. For those interested in volunteering, food banks are always looking for volunteers, so please feel free to save and share this information.
The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice, and information about City services and social supports. Check https://www.toronto.ca/covid-19/ for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.
You can also reach me by telephone at 416-396-7222 or email me at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca
All my Best,
Paul