Pancakes with a purpose
Pancake MIX: a recipe for employment, skills, and community connections.
TCHC staff and food service workers at Pancake MIX Glen Everest
We walked into the Glen Everest community room, the smell of pancakes and bacon wafting through the air. Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) staff were busy handing out apple slices and pouring coffee for those waiting in line. The room buzzed with laughter and conversation, as tenants sat together to enjoy their breakfast.
Created by TCHC’s Community Economic Development team, Pancake MIX (short for Maximizing Impact through eXperience) is a weekly program that provides TCHC tenants with valuable job experience and skills to help them enter the workforce. Last fall, four tenants were hired as short-term food service workers to prepare and serve pancakes for tenants in their buildings. The pilot program operated out of two locations: 10 Glen Everest in Scarborough on Tuesdays and Dan Harrison in downtown Toronto on Thursdays. In Glen Everest, the team served about 100 people each week.
All Pancake MIX food service workers are trained in customer service, food safety handling, and conflict resolution. Fiona Griffith, Supervisor of Program Supports and Implementation Programs at TCHC, says that “the program is designed to address barriers like limited experience, needing flexible hours, or being away from traditional work for some time ” She added, “Pancake MIX has created a strong sense of ownership and pride, while also improving social ties in the two communities where it operates.”
For Humaira, a tenant at Glen Everest, these ties are important. “This is a wonderful event that brings people together,” she said. “It helps us socialize, meet our neighbours, and connect with TCHC staff.”
At the next table, TCHC tenant Kelly Schomburger shares that the program helps to cultivate better mental health. “It gets you out of your apartment and helps when you’re feeling down. Meeting others can make a big difference.”
Food service workers hired from Dan Harrison and Glen Everest community as part of the Pancake MIX program
Frank Aburgiss, a food services worker and tenant from Dan Harrison, shared that Pancake MIX has helped him regain his confidence. “I’ve learned practical skills like food safety, cleanliness, and even food presentation. It’s a great feeling to see others enjoy the pancakes we make.” Fellow food services worker, Leonard Martin, agreed and added, “the program has taught me how to handle conflicts and interact better with others in the community.”
Beyond providing jobs, Pancake MIX is improving life in TCHC communities. Frank reflected on the changes he’s seen at Dan Harrison. “There used to be a lot of chaos here, but now the program has brought calm and purpose.”
Racquel Nelson, Manager of Community Economic Development and Social Procurement, spoke of the gratitude expressed by tenants.
“The program staff comment that tenants bless us so much during these events. They’re grateful for the opportunity to connect and enjoy something as simple as pancakes."
Looking toward the future, there’s enthusiasm to make Pancake MIX even better. Racquel hopes to work with community members to grow the program into a small community business. Leonard envisions expanding the initiative into a meal program that offers affordable, high-quality food for tenants.
Pancake MIX is more than just a breakfast program; it’s proof of the power of community and opportunity. By building skills and inspiring confidence, it is changing the lives of its participants and enriching the communities it serves, one pancake at a time.
