Media
Getting Plant-Based Food Into Institutions, Corporations and Cities
Animal Justice Academy
"In this panel we explore the range of current efforts to get vegan food into hospitals, schools, corporations, prisons, restaurants, food banks, and cities. We look at what plant-based procurement strategies and programs seem to be working best, the challenges they’re facing, and some of the bigger wins."
Food banks were never supposed to be permanent, CEO says
CBC (January 13, 2025)
“Matt Noble, executive director of the Toronto Vegetarian Food Bank and the "Put Food Banks Out Of Business" campaign, says Canadians shouldn't need food banks to keep people fed and they were never meant to be a permanent fixture.
"Governments have been failing Canadians for far too long, and food banks have been here doing our best to pick up the slack. But the reality is that we shouldn't need to be here," he said.
Noble says the existence of food banks creates the perception that food insecurity in the country is being taken care of, when, according to the most recent available data from Statistics Canada, things are actually getting worse.”
Food banks across Canada are begging to be put out of business
CBC (December 03, 2024)
"It feels like we've had this model forever, but we haven't. It doesn't have to be here.”
Food First NL is one of several food charities across Canada who have signed onto a campaign called "Put Food Banks Out of Business."
Launched by the Toronto Vegetarian Food Bank, it calls on Canadians donating to food banks this holiday season to also reach out to their local members of Parliament to advocate for the implementation of basic income to keep people above the poverty line.
Ditch Meat To Make Ends Meet
Planet Friendly News (March 27, 2023)
“Food prices continue to soar across North America, with many consumers seeking out novel ways to make ends meet. Looking at the grocery budget, one may opt for discount items, or “ugly” produce or buying in bulk to help trim costs. But what if there was another way? Turns out, by simply switching from animal-based protein to whole food, plant-based sources of protein, those precious dollars could be saved.”
Actions Of Compassion Podcast - Episode 88
(March 20, 2023)
"We are excited to introduce Matt Noble, founder of the Toronto Vegetarian Food Bank and an advocate for veganism and plant-based living. Noble recognized a significant problem in food banks, the lack of vegan options, and decided to take action. In 2015, he founded the Toronto Vegetarian Food Bank, a volunteer-powered organization providing vegan options for needy people. Under Noble’s leadership, the Toronto Vegetarian Food Bank has implemented various programs, including a veganic farm and cooking classes."
Plant Based Canada Podcast
(March 30, 2021)
"In this episode we talk to Matt Noble, the founder of Toronto Vegetarian Food Bank, a volunteer-powered charity that has served over 250,000 meals worth of whole-food plant-based groceries to people struggling with poverty and food insecurity. We learn about the importance and operation of a vegetarian food bank and delve into a deeper discussion on social justice, food insecurity and policy.
There is often the concern that a vegetarian or vegan dietary pattern is expensive and out of the price range for those with food insecurity. Matt discusses these concerns, the challenges, the current situation, and what he believes could help potentially address these issues."
Designing Dignity In Food Banks,
Bloomberg News
(July 13, 2017)
"Gary (not his real name) arrived in Toronto from Calcutta almost three years ago, and he sometimes struggles to feed his family of six, which includes his parents and two small sons. He attends computer-programming classes and works part-time, but his shifts are irregular and his pay is minimum wage. Amid escalating food costs in one of North America’s hottest housing markets, Gary has learned to ask for help."