How You Can Help: Essential Donations for DAO Pantry

What the DAO Pantry Really Needs (And What We Don’t)

Since its inception in 2021, the DAO Pantry has been a lifeline for many in Durham Region, especially those in the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Over the past few years, we have proudly grown to serve over 12,679 visits (as of August 2024), providing food, hygiene products, and essential supplies to individuals and families who need them most. As Durham Region's only 2SLGBTQI+ food bank, we work tirelessly to ensure that our services are inclusive, welcoming, and impactful for everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Our mission is not only to address food insecurity but also to build a supportive and affirming community. The DAO Pantry has become a safe, welcoming space where people can come, not just for food, but also for understanding, connection, and dignity. However, like any community-driven initiative, we rely on the generosity of donors and supporters to keep our shelves stocked and our services thriving.

Who We Help

The DAO Pantry serves a wide range of clients, from young people just starting out, to single-parent households, to seniors living on fixed incomes. Many of our clients face unique challenges, including discrimination, job insecurity, and housing instability, which is why we strive to provide more than just food. We aim to offer relief, hope, and a sense of community.

Over the years, we’ve helped clients with dietary restrictions, including those who are vegan, gluten-intolerant, or have other food allergies. We’ve also made it a priority to offer culturally sensitive options to ensure that our clients can access foods that meet their personal and cultural needs. Our goal is simple: to provide everyone who comes through our doors with the support they need to thrive.

But we can’t do it without the help of our incredible community. Whether it's through food or financial donations, every contribution counts.

What We Really Need: How You Can Help Us Keep Doing More

To continue meeting the needs of our growing community, we rely on specific donations. While we appreciate all acts of generosity, certain items are particularly needed and others are not as helpful. Here's a breakdown of what helps us most:

1. Nutritious Non-Perishable Foods

• Canned Proteins: Proteins like canned tuna, salmon, chicken, and beans are high in demand. They are versatile, shelf-stable, and vital for creating balanced, nutritious meals for our clients.
• Canned Vegetables and Fruits: When donating vegetables and fruits, please look for options with no added sugar or low sodium. These healthier choices make a big difference to those trying to manage chronic health issues or simply eat well.
• Whole Grains: Items such as brown rice, quinoa, and whole grain pasta are essential to ensuring that clients have healthy meal bases.
• Canned Soups and Stews: Ready-to-eat canned meals like soups and stews are incredibly helpful for people who may have limited access to cooking facilities or time.

2. Healthy Snacks

Many of our clients, particularly those with children, need nutritious snacks that can be eaten on the go. Granola bars, trail mix, dried fruit, and whole grain crackers are always in demand and help families stretch their meals throughout the day.

3. Baby Essentials

With more and more families accessing the DAO Pantry, baby essentials are critical. We’re always in need of:

• Baby Formula
• Stage 1 & 2 Baby Food
• Diapers in All Sizes Families facing financial hardship often struggle to provide for their children, and these donations ensure that even the youngest members of our community are well cared for.

4. Pet Food

It’s important to us that our clients don’t have to choose between feeding themselves and their beloved pets. Donations of dog and cat food, as well as pet treats, can help ease that burden for individuals and families. Pets provide comfort and companionship, and ensuring they are fed is a priority for many of the people we serve.

5. Personal Hygiene Products

Hygiene products are a necessity that can often be overlooked, but they play a huge role in maintaining dignity and well-being. Items we often need include:

• Soap
• Shampoo
• Toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Menstrual products

These items aren’t typically covered by social assistance, so many of our clients rely on the DAO Pantry for these essentials. Your donations help ensure that everyone can feel clean and cared for.

6. Household Supplies

Items like laundry detergent, toilet paper, cleaning products, and dish soap make a big difference for families who are struggling. These are essentials that can often be expensive, and your donations help stretch a family’s budget further.

7. Gluten-free, Vegan, and Allergy-Friendly Foods

As the only 2SLGBTQI+ food bank in the region, we take pride in being able to offer food that is suitable for all diets, including gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-friendly options. With many of our clients facing dietary restrictions, these items help us make sure everyone is taken care of.

What We Don’t Need as Much

While we deeply appreciate all donations, there are some items that we don’t need as much or cannot accept:

1. Expired or Damaged Goods We cannot accept food that is expired, dented, or otherwise compromised. Food safety is our top priority, and we want to ensure that all donations are safe to eat and in good condition.

2. Homemade Foods Unfortunately, we cannot accept homemade items due to strict food safety regulations. Only commercially packaged foods are allowed.

3. Highly Processed Junk Food While the occasional treat is welcome, we focus on providing nutritious, sustaining food to our clients. Chips, candy, and soda are not as helpful to those struggling with food insecurity.

4. Large Canned Goods Bulk-sized cans are difficult for many of our clients to use, especially those living alone or with limited storage space. We prefer smaller, more manageable portions.

Our Story: Why Your Help Matters

The DAO Pantry began with a simple mission: to provide a safer, inclusive space where members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community — and anyone in need — could access food and essentials without fear of judgment or discrimination. Since opening our doors, we have grown to serve thousands of individuals and families from all walks of life, and the demand for our services continues to increase.

Our pantry’s growth reflects the increasing levels of food insecurity across the Durham Region, exacerbated by the rising costs of living, rent, and groceries. Many of the people we serve have been hit hardest by these challenges and face additional barriers such as employment discrimination, mental health struggles, and homelessness.

This is why your donations matter. With your support, we can continue to meet the rising need, ensuring that no one goes hungry or without basic necessities.

How You Can Help

If you’re unsure what to donate or prefer to help in another way, consider making a financial contribution. Monetary donations allow us to buy fresh produce, dairy, and protein items that can’t always be donated directly, ensuring we offer a balanced selection of food to those we serve. Financial support also helps us cover operational costs, such as storage, transportation, and utilities.

Your generosity directly impacts the lives of so many, and together, we can continue to make a difference.

To donate food, pet supplies, or funds to DAO Pantry, visit DAO Pantry Donation Page or drop off donations at 717 Wilson Road South, Oshawa, ON.

If you have any questions, feel free to email the DAO Pantry team at pantry@durhamallianceoutreach.org or call and leave a voicemail at 905-738-8133 x0556.