Around the World and Home Again: How Frontlines Builds Community Through Food

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The kitchens are always busy at the Weston Frontlines Centre in Toronto. Tucked in the heart of Weston Road, this vibrant youth hub has been a cornerstone ofthe community for more than 30 years, offering meals, mentorship, opportunity and a sense of belonging to young people in one of Ontario’s most underserved neighbourhoods.

Without Frontlines, explained Noella Charles, senior culinary manager, “statistics say most of our kids would probably just be hanging out, maybe getting into trouble, or commuting farther to another community centre. It’s tough to think about.”

Every afternoon, hot meals are prepared to welcome kids from the after-school program.

“We do stews, chilis, stir fries with steamed rice, casseroles, soups, lasagna… I would say we do around the world cooking here,” shared Noella.

Cooking classes range from basic lessons for younger children to the Future Employment& Education Track program: a 10-week paid culinary career training program for youth aged 18–29, who are out of school and unemployed. Here, students gain hands-on skills, industry certifications and placements with local employers. They also sit down together for a hot meal and go home with extras to share with their families.

Every Thursday, Frontlines hosts a grocery pickup.

“We do our best to cook for community, so they’ll get a bag of groceries and a hot meal if we have enough to cook,” said Noella. “Some weeks it’s lots and we can give out a couple of bags, some weeks it’s less. But it’s always a help.”

Frontlines receives fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy and pantry staples from Second Harvest to support both their cooking programs and weekly grocery distributions.

“The best part, without a doubt, is helping families save money,” Noella shared. “If we can share food, that’s one less financial burden. It means they can put that money toward rent, utilities, phone bills — whatever they need. A hot meal or a bag of groceries goes a long way in this community.”

In the summer, youth aged 6-12 can take part in Frontlines’ summer camp, where they are provided with breakfast, lunch, a snack, trips to parks and pools and time to just be kids. Frontline’s backyard transforms into a hub of celebration with community BBQs and festivals. Invitations often go right into the grocery bags being handed out.