Contact Info
We are located at 1322 Queen Street just west of Dufferin St.
St. Francis Table / St. Clare Centre
1322 Queen Street West
Toronto, Ontario
M6K 1L4
Phone: (416)532-4172
Fax: (416)532-8814
Email: sftable@capuchinoutreach.org
Contact: Br. John Frampton OFM Cap. Animator
Email: brjjmf@yahoo.ca
Background
When the Capuchins of Central Canada first considered establishing a restaurant for the poor, an interfaith demographic study indicated that a low-cost food outreach be opened in Parkdale to meet the specific needs of the poor in this area. St. Francis Table continues to meet this need.
St. Francis Table opened its doors December 1987 in Toronto’s Parkdale neighbourhood. With a seating capacity of 40 people, we average 250 meals per day. To date over 500,000 meals have been served.
Our Brothers and Sisters
Half of our patrons are post-psychiatric patients who are unable to work due to their illness. Many of our patrons spend most of their meager income on accommodation. About one quarter of our patrons are senior citizens who come for nourishment and companionship. We also provide meals to single parents, refugees, the unemployed, transients, ex-convicts and people living in our city’s streets, parks and alleys.
In keeping with our Franciscan heritage, no one is turned away without the offer of a meal. We request a small donation of one dollar which is to help our brothers and sisters retain their sense of dignity. A meal at St. Francis Table is more than simply another handout, but an opportunity for community, advocacy and friendship.