The 2021 Census data showed that poverty rates in Toronto decreased for all age groups from 2015 to 2020. Notably, poverty among working-age adults was reduced by over seven percentage points during this period. Consequently, child poverty decreased significantly by almost 12 percentage points. Despite these encouraging survey results, low-income families, particularly mothers and new moms, still face several challenges, including access to necessities, healthcare, childcare, and housing. Many new moms struggle to afford essential items like diapers, baby clothes, and formula. They also have limited access to quality healthcare, such as maternal and infant health services, and affordable, reliable childcare services for working moms.
These challenges have persisted over the years, prompting Gwen Broda, a nurse and full-time mother of three based in Toronto, to found the New Mom Project. Inspired by the Finnish Baby Box program, Gwen strongly believes that all Canadian mothers, regardless of their income or social status, should have access to similar support. Originally starting off in Gwen’s living room, the New Mom Project has grown significantly and now provides online help for low-income families and their newborn babies. The project operates through a referral program and works with community partners, including all major hospitals, midwife clinics, shelters, community health centres, and Toronto Public Health.
The New Mom Project’s mission is to support new families in a confidential and non-judgmental manner by providing basic baby necessities. They aim to empower new parents in need with resources that promote well-being and health across the community. The New Mom Project strives to provide services that encourage well-being and promote health in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area communities. One of their key services is providing Baby Bundles, which are appropriate for new parents, whether pregnant or with a baby up to three months old. These bundles include new items such as boxes of diapers, baby wipes, toiletry sets, pajamas, and swaddle blankets.To learn more about their work and how to support them, visit their website at http://www.newmomproject.ca.