Toronto Indigenous Food Bank Fights to Serve Growing Needs Amid Funding Fears

As of November 13, 2025, the shelves at the Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre's food bank have not been as well-stocked as they once were, but the need for their services is greater than ever. The centre, which is one of the Indigenous Friendship Centres across the country, is funded by the federal government's Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples (UPIP).

However, the centre is now facing the prospect of losing this funding, as the federal budget has left key reconciliation programs without guaranteed money beyond the spring of 2026. Redbow Toulouse, who helps run the food bank, says they have already had to set capacity limits and turn people away, and sometimes they even run out of food entirely.

"We've had to set capacity limits and turn people away," Toulouse said. "And then we run out and we have to tell people sorry we don't have anything to give you."

The centre provides a range of services to urban Indigenous people, including employment, housing, food security, youth programming, and mental health support. Andrea Chrisjohn, the board designate for the Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre, emphasizes the importance of continuing to invest in these services, particularly for seniors and residential school survivors.

Sean Longboat, the executive director of the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, has expressed disappointment in the federal government's decision, calling it a step backwards in Canada's relationship with urban Indigenous peoples. He warns that if the centres cannot afford to make any cutbacks, some may have no choice but to shut down.

As the future of the centre's funding remains uncertain, Toulouse, who has grown up with the support of the centre, hopes they will be able to continue providing vital services to those in need.