Transit Access to Food Banks

Maps & Data 1 February 2022
by Jeff Allen & Matt Palm

PhD candidate Jeff Allen analyzed changes in access to food banks in Toronto after 21 new locations opened during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research shows that the number of low income residents who could reach a food bank within 20 minutes increased from 50% to 60%. Below are three maps from the study. The first two maps plot 20 minute access to food banks in February 2020 and May 2021, respectively. The final map presents the changes in access between those periods.

Academic Citation

Allen, Jeff, and Steven Farber. 2021. “Changes in Transit Accessibility to Food Banks in Toronto during COVID-19.” Findings, May. https://doi.org/10.32866/001c.24072.

Disclaimer: the research described in this piece was not funded by or conducted as part of Mobilizing Justice. The views and opinions expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Mobilizing Justice.

You may also like

Picture1
Blogs
3 Jul 2026
Making it safe, Making it work, and Making it fun: strategies for cycling with young children in Hamilton, Canada

Getting around by bike with young children is not always easy. Children are heavy, family schedules can be busy, and children often need to be… Read More

Fotolia_161495935_M-e1532366928267
Blogs
27 Mar 2026
What can we learn from a Bike Bus program in rural Nova Scotia?

There’s a revolution happening in the rural community of Hebbville, Nova Scotia (Mi’kma’ki) and it’s accompanied by a healthy dose of bike joy. Since 2020,… Read More

EWB-cropped
Blogs
26 Jan 2026
Removing Fare Barriers: Free Public Transit for Youth Experiencing Homelessness in Toronto

Noah Kelly is the Director of Research & Partnerships at the Transit Access Project (TAP) and has recently completed his Master of Arts at McGill… Read More