One Toronto man’s mission to cook for the city’s hungry

At the corner of Dundas and Sherbourne streets, one Toronto man is making weekly visits to feed those in need. Sean Espinoza, the creator of Picnic in the Six, has been rolling a wagon filled with grilled cheese-making ingredients and a travel stove top through the city for nearly a year. He offers hot meals and supplies, all paid out of pocket and through GoFundMe donations.

Espinoza understands what it's like to go hungry after experiencing homelessness himself for several years. He aims to make friends while cooking, as he's not just giving out meals but fostering connections. A recipient of grilled cheese, Michelle Ball, who has experienced homelessness, found the outreach impactful. She emphasized that it's heartening to see people care about those in need, especially those struggling with addiction.

Espinoza documents his interactions on social media to raise awareness about the city's most vulnerable. He hopes his efforts will spark empathy in others. University of Toronto Mississauga student Monty Galvan expressed admiration for Espinoza's selflessness and the importance of community support, particularly during challenging times. The Women and Gender Equity Centre (WGEC) at UTM plans to join the Picnic in the Six for a fundraiser and hand out food and supplies on September 7.

Galvan believes that community coming together is crucial in these hard times. Espinoza questioned why individuals can't step up to help, given that he himself has experienced homelessness and addiction. He challenged the notion that helping others is solely the responsibility of the government, implying that everyone has a role to play in showing humanity is still alive.