Eighth annual dinner includes a home style meal, beverages, snacks
and care packages to last beyond game night
TORONTO, February 8, 2024 – This Super Bowl Sunday, as countless fans gather with family and friends, a growing group of people remain on the sidelines. That is why for the eighth consecutive year, Rabba Fine Foods has partnered with Good Shepherd Ministries to co-host a special Super Bowl dinner to highlight the problem of poverty and isolation in our communities. To deliver the food, hygiene and clothing items, the local grocer has called upon the help of its long-standing partners Pizzeria Libretto, Maple Leaf Foods, Lassonde, Campbell’s, and Conagra to provide a break from freezing Toronto temperatures for more than 100 men to enjoy a meal and the opportunity to watch the big game.
“This event provides a small break for homeless Torontonians, but more help is needed,” said Rick Rabba, President of Rabba Fine Foods. “The work carried out year-round by the Good Shepherd and its team is commendable and we’re delighted to return this year to deliver the food, an experience but also a message.”
This year’s donation includes gourmet pizza, chicken wings, hot dogs, fries, onion rings, and beverages as well as cabbage rolls and perogies for meals long after the game day has passed. The Rabba Roots community giving program, along with its partners have also assembled care packages that are filled with essential hygiene items, warm clothing, fresh produce and 2,500 snacks that will be distributed throughout February, when temperatures are frequently at their lowest.
“February is one of the toughest months in terms of food insecurity and homelessness,” continues Rabba. “This event delivers a good meal, to be sure, but it also helps guests relax, enjoy a game with their fellow man, and have no greater concern than who will win the game.” In 2023, The Good Shepherd Ministries served 330,020 meals and saw an increase of nearly 30 percent in demand for meals, serving over 1,000 meals and snacks per day. As homelessness and food insecurity rise, shelters see a growing demand.
“Each year seems to see a rise in demand for meals and shelter as food insecurity increases,” says Adrienne Urquhart, Director, Fundraising and Public Relations at Good Shepherd Ministries. “We thank Rabba Fine Foods for this yearly event, which is highly anticipated, and which offers a positive impact for days to come.”
The Good Shepherd Ministries in Toronto hosts a Super Bowl party for guests of the shelter thanks to a partnership with Rabba Fine Foods and its community giving program, Rabba Roots on February 12, 2023. On Sunday, February 11, 2024, Rabba and select partners will provide over 2500 meals and snacks to the Good Shepherd Ministries – 100 meals of which will be given out during the Super Bowl game. For more information on the work of The Good Shepherd Ministries, or to make a donation, please visit goodshepherd.ca.
About Rabba Fine Foods
Rabba Fine Foods, a Toronto institution since the 60’s, is a chain of local markets that serve the daily grocery and convenience needs of 36 neighbourhoods in the GTA. Open year round, 24 hours a day, Rabba offers everything you’d expect from your local market – fresh produce, a deli counter, ready-to-eat meals, bakery, dairy products and other essentials for
home or work. A family-run business with roots extending back to 1967, Rabba is a cornerstone of the community, dedicated to serving its neighbours and friends in the GTA and meeting their ever-changing grocery and convenience needs. For more information on Rabba, its Rabba Roots community program or any of its locations, visit rabba.com.