A new Good Food Market serving the York University and Black Creek communities opens Thursday, Aug. 19 at the Shoreham Public School, 31 Shoreham Dr. in North York.
The market, which runs 4 to 7pm every Thursday, will offer plenty of fresh, affordable and healthy food for sale. There will also be local vendors, artists and activities for children.
"Food for sale at the market is purchased from farmers through FoodShare, a non-profit food security organization in Toronto," says Sue Levesque, executive director of the York University-TD Community Engagement Centre, one of the organizers of the market. "The food is from local sources whenever possible. FoodShare is providing logistical support and guidance until the project is completely locally sustainable."
Proceeds from fresh food sales are used to purchase the next week's food. It is a non-profit venture. Local vendors will also be on site and will keep their own proceeds.
The market is open to the entire community, including York University students, faculty and staff. "Come out to shop for groceries and learn about food," says Levesque. "It is also a wonderful way to meet members of the community."
The good food market was established to bring healthy, affordable and culturally appropriate food within walking distance of the University and Black Creek communities.
It is the result of a collaboration between York University students, faculty and staff alongside residents, community agencies and City of Toronto Councillor Anthony Peruzza's office, who are involved with the Black Creek Food Justice Action Network and the York University-TD Community Engagement Centre. The Black Creek Food Justice Action Network is a working group of individuals from York University, the Black Creek community and local community organizations. The network meets regularly throughout the year at the York University-TD Community Engagement Centre.
The market received start-up support from the York University Faculty Association's Community Projects Committee.
Even though markets are popping up around the city, many communities do not have easy access to fresh, healthy food. FoodShare works in partnership with community organizations to run Good Food Markets.
More about Good Food Markets
These markets are small, sometimes no more than a single stand. But they sell high-quality, affordable fruits and vegetables and create public space.The markets feature seasonal, local produce that FoodShare purchases from local farmers and from the Ontario Food Terminal Board. It’s delivered to local community organizations who run the markets.
To learn more, visit the FoodShare Web site.