Rabba Fine Foods co-hosts Super Bowl party at Good Shepherd Ministries

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 the city’s 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,” says 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.

READ: Rabba Fine Foods, Good Shepherd Ministries throwing Super Bowl party for Toronto's homeless

“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% 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.”