bmo field kitchen

BMO Field in Toronto has been transformed into a kitchen to feed frontline workers

BMO Field may not have the name recognition of Rogers Centre or Scotiabank Arena, but like the latter it's now being used as a kitchen to produce even more meals for frontline workers and those in need.

These spaces are normally the sites of huge cheering crowds, but now that they stand empty during the pandemic they're being put to good use, and the staff that normally work there are employed to help with the effort.

About two weeks ago Scotiabank teamed up with Tangerine, Bell, Rogers and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment with the goal of producing 10,000 meals for delivery to a network of hospitals and community agencies.

With the addition of BMO and BMO Field to the effort, they've now raised that goal to 13,000 meals. In the first two weeks, they've already used 25,000 pounds of chicken, 15,000 pounds of potatoes, 10,000 pounds of mixed vegetables and 8,000 pounds of pasta, and have received more donations than anticipated from the community. 

"I want to thank BMO for joining MLSE’s food donation program, which will help feed families across our city. The expansion of this program to include BMO Field shows this truly is a growing team effort to support people during the COVID-19 pandemic," said Mayor John Tory.

Second Harvest provides fresh ingredients to the MLSE team, who turns them around into nutritious, ready-to-heat, single-serving takeaway meals.

"It's essential that community food programs now provide takeaway meals to an increasing number of people in need. Unfortunately, many of the organizations Second Harvest supports do not have the kitchens or money necessary to do that– and that gap puts thousands of vulnerable people at risk," said Lori Nikkel, CEO of Second Harvest.

"We are incredibly grateful to MLSE and its partners for helping us close that gap by mobilizing its world-class venue and chefs, and for the generosity of so many food donors that are enabling us to provide thousands of meals every week."

Lead photo by

MLSE


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