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Canada’s largest food rescue organization is facing an $80,000 repair bill after vandals broke into its Toronto truck yard over Thanksgiving weekend and damaged seven of its vehicles. Second Harvest confirmed that suspects cut through the exhaust systems of multiple trucks and stole the catalytic converters, leaving the fleet partially grounded at one of the busiest times of the year for food support.
Seven Trucks Taken Off the Road
The break-in left Second Harvest with a significant logistical problem. Because the vandals cut through the exhaust systems to remove the catalytic converters, the organization now faces the cost of replacing both components on each affected vehicle. CEO Lori Nikkel confirmed the total estimated repair cost stands at $80,000.
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“The damage means we now have to replace both the catalytic converters and the damaged exhaust components, leaving seven trucks out of service,” Nikkel told Global News in an email. The timing made the situation especially difficult. Second Harvest had already advertised its Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway before the incident occurred.
Nikkel did not provide specific details about how the charity’s Thanksgiving plans changed as a result. However, she made clear that the impact on regular operations would be immediate and serious.
Deliveries to Hundreds of Nonprofits at Risk
Second Harvest delivers rescued food directly to more than 300 non-profit organizations across Toronto. Those groups depend on the charity to help feed people who struggle to afford food. With seven trucks now off the road, those regular deliveries face direct disruption.
“These trucks are a lifeline for our community,” Nikkel said. “With seven trucks off the road, those deliveries will be directly impacted at a time when the need for food support is already overwhelming.”
The organization described itself as “deeply disappointed and outraged” by the vandalism. Despite that, Nikkel struck a determined tone. “Our team is doing everything we can to restore our fleet and keep food moving to the communities that depend on us,” she said. “We won’t let this stop us.”
Police Investigation Underway
Toronto police confirmed they received a call about the incident shortly after 12 p.m. on Sunday. An investigation is currently ongoing. Police have not yet announced any arrests or identified any suspects.
Nikkel is urging anyone with information to contact police. She is also asking the public to consider donating to Second Harvest to help cover the cost of repairs. The charity plays a significant role in Canada’s food rescue network. In 2025, Second Harvest and its partners rescued and redistributed more than 95 million pounds of food across the country.
The Second Harvest truck vandalism comes at a time when demand for food assistance continues to grow. The loss of seven vehicles therefore represents more than a financial setback. For hundreds of community organizations and the people they serve, it means fewer meals at a time when they can least afford it.
