About charity kitchen Scarborough
Mission
Rescue food.
Feed people.
Fight hunger.
Core Values
Care. Trust. Teamwork
Make a Donation
Make a Donation
Interac e-Transfer accounting@5n2.ca
Vision
Making food support accessible for all
Impact
Over 100,000 meals served annually
How We Got Started
5N2, founded by Seema David in 2013, is a charity committed to providing fresh, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food to marginalized communities in the Greater Toronto Area, particularly Scarborough. Seema, who immigrated to Canada in 2007, was moved by the widespread homelessness and food insecurity she witnessed, inspiring her to take action.
Starting with a small team of volunteers in her church kitchen, Seema’s mission soon outgrew the space, leading her to lease a commercial kitchen funded by modest donations. The pandemic presented significant challenges, but 5N2 adapted by shifting to a delivery model, ensuring meals and pantry items reached those in need despite reduced volunteer numbers. Faced with the loss of her kitchen lease, Seema worked tirelessly to find a new location, ensuring the charity kitchen could continue its essential work.
As demand for food support surged due to rising inflation and the cost-of-living crisis, 5N2 scaled its efforts to meet the needs of the most vulnerable through its expanding community meal program.
Currently, 5N2 distributes 4,700 free meal portions and grocery support each week, helping thousands of families and individuals across the region through its charity kitchen Scarborough and community partners.
The charity’s mission is to ensure no one in the community goes hungry, especially as 1 in 8 families in Scarborough face food insecurity, often forced to choose between meals. Seema’s dedication to her community is a powerful testament to the impact of grassroots initiatives in addressing critical social issues. It has also inspired many community members to volunteer their time and passion to eliminate food insecurity through our community meal program.
Seema David and 5N2 have received the following honors
-Sept 2024, Coronation Medal by Command of the King for valuable contribution to Canada
-March 2023 Continued Work to Serve Those In Need from City of Toronto Councilor Paul W. Ainslie
-Sept 2021 Scarborough North Hero Award
-June 2022 Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
-June 2021 Scarborough Hero Award from the City of Toronto
-August 2021 Scarborough Heroes Award from Premier Doug Ford
-Paul Harris Fellow Award from Rotary Foundation of Rotary International
-Frontline Impact Greater Toronto Area from Second Harvest
“When I spoke to people about my vision, I began to see that there are many people who have the heart to serve, but simply need a platform to give of their time and resources.”
– Seema David, Founder
Who We Serve
We are dedicated to reducing hunger and food insecurity in Scarborough. What began as a small soup kitchen has evolved into a comprehensive, multi-service organization. In collaboration with local partners, we now provide healthy meals and grocery support to residents across the community meal program. Our services reach local outreach centres, shelters, seniors’ residences, drop-in centers, and Toronto Community Housing (TCH) buildings.
Our Partnerships
Financial Donors
North Pine Foundation
Ontario Trillium Foundation
Walmart
Qualcomm
CN Railway
FBC
Royal Bank of Canada
Global Kingdom Ministries
Moez & Marissa Kassam Foundation
Partners Who Donate in Kind
Second Harvest
Starbucks
Salvation Army
No Frills – Stouffville
Cob’s Bread – Kingston Road
Richmond Hill Mosque
Grace Place
Global Medic
Jain Society Toronto
Academic Partners
Toronto District School Board
University of Toronto
Beneficiaries
Cross Pointe
Good Neighbours Drop-In
Salvation Army
East Scarborough Storefront
Greencrest
Green Brae
Adanac
DARS
Progress Church
SCHC
Meet Our Board Members
Sofia Stergianis
Chairperson of 5N2
Lovelace St. John
Vice-Chair
Senior Pastor,
Progress Church
Seema David
Founder
President of 5N2
Nick Kossovan
Treasurer
Manager, Green For Life
Kelvin Castelino
Director of 5N2
Ways To Donate
While minimal funds are spent on acquiring food, much-needed dollars are required to cover operating costs of our charity kitchen in Scarborough.
Please support keeping our doors open!
Charitable Registration Number: 82640-3990-RR0001 – Donations of $20 or more will receive a tax receipt.
Interac e-Transfer
Interac e-Transfer to accounting@5n2.ca
Please include your name and email for a tax receipt.
Join Us: Your involvement creates change!
5N2 Kitchen: Community Meal Program FAQ
Our kitchen is the heart of 5N2. It’s where fresh ingredients are turned into nourishing, hot meals for neighbors in need. Through this community meal program, individuals and families can access healthy food in a respectful and welcoming environment.
5N2 operates a community-based kitchen program in Scarborough focused on serving individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. As a charity kitchen in Scarborough, the goal is simple: provide warm, nutritious meals in a space that feels safe and dignified.
For current service details, locations, and hours, it’s best to check directly through the 5N2 website.
A community meal program prepares and distributes ready-to-eat meals for people who may not have consistent access to food. At 5N2, the program serves seniors, newcomers, families, and individuals facing financial hardship.
It’s not just about food. It’s about offering connection, stability, and support within the Scarborough community.
Volunteers can assist with meal preparation, packaging, food distribution, and kitchen support tasks. Community involvement plays a key role in keeping the program running.
If you’re interested in volunteering at this charity kitchen in Scarborough, the best step is to contact 5N2 directly through their website to learn about current opportunities.
The community meal program is designed for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. That includes seniors, newcomers, and others who may be struggling to afford regular meals.
The focus is on accessibility and dignity, ensuring that support is available without unnecessary barriers.
Food safety and quality are essential. Meals are prepared using fresh ingredients, including produce grown through 5N2’s local hydroponic initiative.
As a charity kitchen in Scarborough, the program follows proper food handling and preparation standards to ensure meals are safe, nutritious, and responsibly prepared.
Yes. Financial donations help cover kitchen operations, food supplies, and meal distribution. Ingredient donations may also be accepted, depending on current needs and coordination.
To make sure your contribution has the greatest impact, it’s best to contact 5N2 directly before organizing a donation.
The kitchen operates in Scarborough as part of 5N2’s local community programs. Exact distribution points and access details may vary depending on program schedules.
For updated information about locations and access, contacting 5N2 through their website is the most reliable option.
The program provides more than just meals. It strengthens community ties, supports vulnerable residents, and helps reduce the stress that comes with food insecurity.
By operating a charity kitchen in Scarborough, 5N2 creates a local solution to a local challenge—making healthy food more accessible while building a stronger, more connected neighborhood.
Our Community Impact
More than 100,000 meals —are served annually
95% less water —is used than traditional farming
Zero pesticides—Better than organic produce
