SNAP
Originally known as the Food Bank, SNAP has evolved significantly since its inception under the Lifeworks Department, previously referred to as Equity and Advocacy.
Beginning in either 1996 or 1997 at the Casa Loma campus, the initiative expanded to include a second location at the St. James campus and, by 2013, a third at the Waterfront campus.
A major transformation occurred in the summer of 2019, instigated by changes from the Ford administration. This rebranding shifted the
program's focus from merely providing emergency food support to a broader commitment to enhancing the nutrition, health, emotional, and social well-being of all George Brown College (GBC) students. This now includes access to both perishable and non-perishable foods.
Post-rebranding, SNAP has broadened its scope to include workshops on meal planning, nutrition, health and wellness, and financial literacy. The program boasts a significant partnership with the Daily Bread Food Bank, which donates approximately 200,000 lbs of food annually across campuses. Alongside Daily Bread, SNAP has cultivated additional partnerships to ensure sustainable support.
Originally utilizing a points system that allowed students to select their groceries in a store-like setting, SNAP adapted its operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, it provided digital grocery gift cards, transitioning later to on-site packed food hampers and, eventually, a courier delivery service.
The pandemic also led to the introduction of an online booking system, which has streamlined inventory and logistics management. This system not only prevents long queues but also facilitates the customization of food hampers to meet various dietary needs, ensuring more efficient planning and distribution.
2011
Community Garden to Grow
In the summer of 2015, George Brown College’s Student Association launched a garden project in Regent Park, conceived by Mireya Forero. The initiative was sparked by community interest in a communal gardening space that surfaced during discussions at the Good Food Market. With support from the Toronto Christian Resource Centre and City Hall, and contributions like workshops, seeds, and plants, the garden was established as a serene spot for student relaxation and mental health improvement. It operated with the help of four staff members and about 20 volunteers who managed various crops like tomatoes, peppers, and mint. Produce was shared among volunteers and donated to the Resource Centre. The garden remained open until October, inviting all community members, with plans to reopen in the following spring.
2004
Food Bank Success
The Life Works Centre’s Thanksgiving food drive was a huge success in 2004, thanks to staff and student volunteers.
It was one of the most successful drives since Life Works began in 1995, raising 200 pounds of food and $700 through bracelet sales. The donations restocked Student Association food banks, serving 200-300 students monthly. Half of the money went to the Daily Food Bank, and the rest supported future food bank initiatives. The drive reflected the GBC community’s care for poverty issues and hunger relief efforts.
