Right To Food Unveils National Headquarters and Community Hub in Downtown Toronto
Right To Food, a national organization dedicated to transforming approaches to food insecurity, is celebrating the launch of its new national office and community food centre at 340 Gerrard Street East in Toronto. This vibrant hub represents a significant step forward in fostering belonging, community building, and advocacy for essential income and social policy changes across Canada.
A Shared Space for Community and Dignity
The facility houses both Right To Food's national headquarters and the Sumac Community Food Centre, creating a shared environment designed to unite people through food, dignity, and community engagement. This location joins Right To Food's network of 17 other community food centres nationwide, which serve as welcoming spaces where individuals gather for healthy meals, share culinary and gardening skills, connect with local resources, and amplify their voices on issues impacting their lives.
"This galvanizing new space represents a collective commitment to good food, health, community, and dignity," stated Right To Food CEO and Co-Founder Nick Saul. "At a time of historic levels of food insecurity nationwide, and deep stress and uncertainty among so many of our neighbours, we're working to ensure everyone has a dignified seat at the table."
Addressing a National Crisis
Currently in Canada, over 10 million people—approximately one in four—experience food insecurity, including 2.5 million children. The new national headquarters, occupying the top floor of the three-storey building, functions as an incubator for sector research and development. It also provides a gathering space for frontline leaders to exchange knowledge and return to their communities equipped with new strategies and tools to advance food security.
Additionally, the space is home to Right To Food's Poverty Action Unit, which integrates national data with lived experiences to drive concrete advocacy aimed at reducing poverty, food insecurity, and inequality. The extensive renovation of the building—a former mattress factory constructed in 1912—was made possible by the extraordinary generosity of supporters who collectively raised $24 million. The capital campaign was led by Tony Arrell, Chairman of Burgundy Asset Management.
Event Details and Community Engagement
The official opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place as a drop-in event, inviting community members, donors, partners, volunteers, and media to explore the space and meet the individuals who bring it to life. The event is scheduled for Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., with the ribbon cutting and opening remarks at 4:30 p.m. at 340 Gerrard Street East, Toronto.
Media attendees will have access to interviews with Right To Food leadership, conversations with program staff and community members, and visuals of the space and programming in action. Government representatives are expected to be in attendance, and media RSVPs can be directed to hani@righttofood.ca.
About Right To Food
Right To Food is a national organization that addresses food insecurity through an innovative, dignity-first model. In collaboration with 450 partners across the country, it creates respectful spaces where people can access healthy food, build skills, find community, and advocate for more inclusive public policy. Founded in 2012 as Community Food Centres Canada, Right To Food continues to lead a cross-country commitment to ensuring good food for all Canadians.
