Advocate for better meals for you today. And better shelter food funding tomorrow. With Toronto Shelter Standards.
Food in shelters can be boring, unhealthy and undignified. And there may be financial reasons for this. But. You can advocate on an individual and group level for better food based on the Toronto Shelter Standards. See below.
We also need to advocate for better nutritious foods at City Council.
- Step 1: Speak to your service provider (agency, housing provider, shelter, etc.) directly
- Step 2: If you are not satisfied with the outcome or how your complaint was handled, contact Shelter, Support and Housing Administration (SSHA) by completing this complaint form. We will follow up with you after receiving your complaint
Where to Send Complaints
For complaints about:
- Central Intake*
- Shelters*
- Streets to Homes and the Assessment and Referral Centre*
Email: ssha@toronto.ca
Phone: 416-392-8741
Fax: 416-338-1144
Mail: 55 John St., 6th Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 3C6, Attention: SSHA Complaints
*You can choose not to fill out the complaints form
9.2 FOOD, DIET AND NUTRITION
- (a) In order to promote a healthy diet among clients, shelter providers will:
(i) Offer clients safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs
(ii) Refer clients, particularly pregnant, breast feeding and elderly clients, to food
and nutrition supports (e.g., prenatal program, community kitchen, etc.) to
supplement their diet, if necessary
(iii) Ensure meals and snacks are of a size, quality, variety and nutritional value to meet the recommended guidelines of Canada’s Food Guide (see Appendix D:
Links to References and Resources)
(iv) Avoid serving food with poor nutritional value (e.g., foods high in processedsugar, fat and salt)
(v) Not use or withhold food to influence behaviour (either as reward or
punishment)
(vi) Consult with a registered dietitian, on an annual basis or more frequently as needed, for support in menu planning, training and other food services, and other food security and nutrition-related supports
(vii) Post in a conspicuous place in or near the dining area of each shelter a copy of section 9.2 Food, Diet and Nutrition, a current copy of Canada’s Food Guide, a daily menu that will list potential allergens (e.g., peanuts, nuts, egg)
