Theft of Critical Food-Rescue Infrastructure Leaves Toronto Charity Reeling

A targeted theft at a Second Harvest facility in Etobicoke has disabled half of the food rescue charity's delivery fleet, threatening the supply chain for more than 300 non-profit organizations across Toronto, according to reporting from CBC Toronto and CityNews Toronto.

Security footage obtained by CityNews Toronto shows at least two suspects using a saw to steal catalytic converters from seven trucks. CBC Toronto reports that the thieves gained access to the yard by cutting through a chain-link fence. Toronto Police Service Const. Masuma Akhter told CBC Toronto that officers were called to the scene shortly after noon on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026.

Second Harvest CEO Lori Nikkel told CBC Toronto that the repairs for the damaged exhaust systems are estimated to cost $80,000. Duncan Salisbury, Vice-President of Supply Chain Logistics at Second Harvest, told CityNews Toronto that when factoring in vehicle rentals and third-party carriers to maintain operations, the total cost could reach approximately $100,000.

Nikkel described the trucks as a "lifeline" for the community, noting that the loss of these vehicles impacts food deliveries during a period of overwhelming need. Salisbury added that the timing of the attack over the Thanksgiving long weekend was "outrageous," as the charity worked to rejig delivery routes for Tuesday.

This incident follows a previous act of vandalism in January 2026, when Second Harvest reported that water had been placed in the fuel of four trucks on New Year's Day, according to CBC Toronto.