PART 1
Why do so many food items in toronto feel like a luxury?
A shopper adds groceries into his cart.
: Amartya Smaran/The Green Line.
ADELE LUKUSA
Graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University and Kitchener native enamoured with Toronto. Lover of Jamila Woods. Currently working on supporting mutual aid efforts and unpacking the nuances of Black haircare.
Feb. 4, 2025
I fear Lucille Bluth’s iconic line "I mean, it’s one banana, Michael. What could it cost? $10?" is becoming more and more relatable to the average Torontonian.
I wouldn’t be shocked to stumble upon a $10 banana at the open-til-late Metro in my neighbourhood or at the artfully arranged organic section of a higher-end Loblaws.
And while grocery prices have (sometimes wild) discrepancies across different stores, it's undeniable that food has become expensive in our city.
Prices for store-bought food have increased 18.4 per cent between 2021 and 2023, according to the Ontario consumer price index. This year, food prices Canada-wide are estimated to increase an additional three to five per cent, according to the 2025 Food Price Report — and we can definitely feel it.
Food prices are expected to increase further if the announced 25 per cent tariffs on American goods (and the tariffs on Canadian exports to the U.S.) are resumed. This has prompted Canadians across the country to shop local and refrain from purchasing American food products.
Food access was one of the top five issues brought up by community members surveyed by The Green Line last summer at our engagement outpost at Scadding Court Community Centre.
What's more, the city is seeing unprecedented numbers when it comes to food bank usage. Food banks in Toronto had a record-breaking 3.49 million visits by clients between April 2023 and March 2024, according to the 2024 Who’s Hungry Report.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Want to get a better grasp on Toronto’s current food affordability crisis? We break down the latest facts and figures in the video, below.
Want to learn more about the systemic issues contributing to food insecurity in Toronto — not to mention possible solutions? Dive in to our Food Insecurity in Riverside Action Journey.
PART 2
Unpacking groceries: How Torontonians navigate the food affordability crisis
Goldie Wallensky puts away groceries in her pantry. She prepares dinner with leftovers from a community dinner program earlier in the week.
: Allen Agostino/The Green Line.
ALLEN AGOSTINO
Scarborough-born photojournalist and International Center of Photography alum. Focuses on solution-based storytelling and documenting large issues through the lens of personal narratives.
Feb. 11, 2025
With files from Adele Lukusa and Amartya Smaran.
In January, Mayor Olivia Chow declared "food insecurity an emergency across the city."
Last year, Toronto's food banks saw a million more clients than they had in 2023.
“And more than ever, we are seeing individuals who had never considered using food banks walking through our doors and accessing our emergency services for the very first time," according to the 2024 Who’s Hungry Report.
More than half of the clients surveyed in the report said that the high cost of living is driving them to the food bank, even when these same clients had higher employment rates and wages, the report stated.
Food banks are no longer a last resort or rarity — they’re our new normal.
So, who are these new and returning food bank users? And what do their grocery trips look like?
Freelance photojournalist Allen Agostino visited families from different neighbourhoods, generations and backgrounds to learn how they use food banks and community meal programs to supplement their income and make sure there's dinner on the table.
He captured the intimate meal prepping moments that happen after a food bank visit.
Our video intern Amartya Smaran also visited a Pay What You Can food market in the downtown core to learn how this model also helps community members shop for cheap.
Follow along their journeys from different food programs to their kitchens in this photo essay.
Katalinna Eftekhari, 3, makes silly faces with her asparagus stem while the family is eating dinner together. Her mother Julianna, 30, and older sister Lilianna, 5, prepared the meal using leftovers from a community dinner program they attended earlier in the week.
"The community dinners really help,” Behnam Eftekhari, 34 says. “Grocery costs have gone up a lot. Sometimes the community dinners have some extra produce or pasta and it helps us for the rest of the week."
The Green Line’s
Neighbourhood Food Map
The Kensington Fruit Market is a family-owned local business that has been operating for over 40 years.
: Anthony Lippa-Hardy/The Green Line.
THE GREEN LINE
The Green Line is an award-winning, hyperlocal publication that delivers information you can actually use in your daily life.
Feb. 12, 2025
There’s no avoiding it — living in Toronto is harder than ever and we seem really far from affordable living.
With endless articles about the inflation of grocery prices due to corporate greed, and with campaigns such as Loblaws Is Out of Control, there’s a clear need for an alternative to paying three times the price for fewer groceries.
Enter The Green Line’s Neighbourhood Food Map, a resource for those looking for accessible spots to get a free box of fruits and veggies or to buy cat food, all vetted and shared by people like you. This map is growing and expanding by the day, providing a varied and trusted list of food offerings across the city.
You can use it to locate affordable spots to shop for food near you.
Fred Victor
Type of food offered
Enjoy a hot meal made fresh by our kitchen. All meat is certified Halal, no pork products served. Meals are free of charge, one per person. Bring a container for take-out meals.
Hours of operation
Multiple meal times and dates
Address
40 Oak St, Toronto, ON M5A 2C6, Canada
The 40 Oak Drop-In is street-level and barrier free; the main entrance has power door buttons.
Community Fridge (The Annex)
Hours of operation
24 hours
Address
190 Lowther Ave, Toronto, ON M5R 1E8, Canada
https://maps.app.goo.gl/nHuPsA7DhvkrDsFX6?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
Regenesis - York University
Type of food offered
Fresh produce - vegetables and fruits
Hours of operation
Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address
4700 Keele St, North York, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
The YUM Market usually runs at Vari Hall inside York University or the building next to it, the location changes as per the season. Double-check with people in campus when you get there!
Old's Cool General Store
Type of food offered
Pantry items and a fridge.
Hours of operation
Please contact for hours.
Address
250 Westlake Ave, East York, ON M4C 4T4, Canada
Kai Wehi Supermarket
Type of food offered
Fresh produce
Hours of operation
Every da from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Address
299 Spadina Ave. #299, Toronto, ON M5T 2E6, Canada
Scott Mission
Type of food offered
Fresh food and perishable items.
Hours of operation
Monday to Friday: 9:00am - 11:30am and 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Address
502 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5S 2H1, Canada
Eastview Neighbourhood Community Centre
Type of food offered
Fresh produce, perishable items and pantry staples (offers Halal, Kosher, vegetarian and dairy alternatives.)
Hours of operation
Tuesdays (Single Households) 12:00pm - 2:00pm and Thursdays (Families of 2+) 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Address
86 Blake St, Toronto, ON M4J 3C9, Canada
The Lighthouse Food Bank
Type of food offered
Fresh produce and non perishable food items.
Hours of operation
Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Address
1008 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON M5R 3G7, Canada
Grant AME Church - Grantful Food and Fellowship Food Bank and Soup Kitchen
Type of food offered
Fresh produce and non perishable food items.
Hours of operation
Fridays 3:30pm - 6:00pm
Address
2029 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4E 2B3, Canada
Nourish East End
Type of food offered
Fresh produce and non perishable food items.
Hours of operation
Wednesdays: 9:00am - 11:00am and 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Address
1470 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4L 2A3, Canada
Parkdale Community Food Bank
Type of food offered
Groceries.
Hours of operation
Wednesdays 10:00am to 4:30pm, Thursdays 10:00am to 4:30pm, Fridays 4:00pm to 8:00pm, Saturdays 10:00am to 4:30pm
Address
5 Brock Ave, Toronto, ON M6K 2K6, Canada
Rear Unit.
The Stop Community Food Centre
Type of food offered
Fresh meals
Hours of operation
Mondays and Fridays: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Address
1884 Davenport Rd, Toronto, ON M6N 4Y2, Canada
Little Trinity Good Food Market
Type of food offered
Fresh produce, hot beverages.
Hours of operation
Wednesdays: 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Address
425 King St E, Toronto, ON M5A 1L3, Canada
Yao Hua Supermarket
Type of food offered
discounted foods, fresh foods, ingredients for asian cuisines
Hours of operation
Everyday 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Address
643 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1Y2, Canada
Woodgreen Food Bank
Type of food offered
Fresh fruit and vegetables, and cupboard staples (canned goods, coffee etc.), pet food
Hours of operation
Every Tuesday, 1:00pm - 2:20pm
Address
650 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G5, Canada
Moss Park Market
Type of food offered
Fresh produce (fruits, vegetables) and canned goods
Hours of operation
Every Saturday, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Address
260 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M5A 1S6, Canada
St. John the Compassionate Mission
Type of food offered
Food for Families program: Fresh produce, dry and canned foods, Joanna's Breakfast program: Hot and cold breakfast
Hours of operation
Food for Families program: Every Thursday 1 - 3:30 p.m., Joanna's Breakfast program: Every Tuesday to Friday, 5 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Address
155 Broadview Ave, Toronto, ON M4M 2E9, Canada
St. Ann's Food Bank
Type of food offered
Hot food, fresh fruit and vegetables, cupboard staples (canned goods, coffee, etc.)
Hours of operation
Every Saturday, 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Address
120 First Ave, Toronto, ON M4M 1X1, Canada
Mustard Seed (Fontbonne Ministries)
Type of food offered
Hot food, fresh fruit and vegetables, and cupboard staples (canned goods, coffee etc.)
Hours of operation
Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11:30am - 1pm (Every Week - Drop-In)
Address
791 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H6, Canada
Bloor Fruit Market
Type of food offered
Very affordable fresh food and vegetables
Hours of operation
9AM-8:30PM - 7 days a week
Address
662 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1K9, Canada
The Alexandra Park Co-op Food Program
Type of food offered
Available items include fresh produce, pantry goods, dairy products, etc.
Hours of operation
Fridays: 12:00pm – 2:00pm and 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Address
19 Carr Street, Toronto, ON, Canada
The Alexandra Park Co-op Food Program runs out of the Community Room at 19 Carr every Friday. Please buzz 7777 at 19 Carr if you do not have a FOB for the building. Masks are required inside the community room. Please bring your own bags for groceries and empty egg cartons are always appreciated!
Fort York Food Bank
Hours of operation
Please contact for hours.
Address
380 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 1S6, Canada
Fred Victor
Type of food offered
Enjoy a hot meal made fresh by our kitchen. All meat is certified Halal, no pork products served. Meals are free of charge, one per person. Bring a container for take-out meals.
Hours of operation
Multiple meal times and dates
Address
40 Oak St, Toronto, ON M5A 2C6, Canada
The 40 Oak Drop-In is street-level and barrier free; the main entrance has power door buttons.
Community Fridge (The Annex)
Hours of operation
24 hours
Address
190 Lowther Ave, Toronto, ON M5R 1E8, Canada
https://maps.app.goo.gl/nHuPsA7DhvkrDsFX6?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
Regenesis - York University
Type of food offered
Fresh produce - vegetables and fruits
Hours of operation
Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address
4700 Keele St, North York, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
The YUM Market usually runs at Vari Hall inside York University or the building next to it, the location changes as per the season. Double-check with people in campus when you get there!
Old's Cool General Store
Type of food offered
Pantry items and a fridge.
Hours of operation
Please contact for hours.
Address
250 Westlake Ave, East York, ON M4C 4T4, Canada
Kai Wehi Supermarket
Type of food offered
Fresh produce
Hours of operation
Every da from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Address
299 Spadina Ave. #299, Toronto, ON M5T 2E6, Canada
Scott Mission
Type of food offered
Fresh food and perishable items.
Hours of operation
Monday to Friday: 9:00am - 11:30am and 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Address
502 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5S 2H1, Canada
Eastview Neighbourhood Community Centre
Type of food offered
Fresh produce, perishable items and pantry staples (offers Halal, Kosher, vegetarian and dairy alternatives.)
Hours of operation
Tuesdays (Single Households) 12:00pm - 2:00pm and Thursdays (Families of 2+) 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Address
86 Blake St, Toronto, ON M4J 3C9, Canada
The Lighthouse Food Bank
Type of food offered
Fresh produce and non perishable food items.
Hours of operation
Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Address
1008 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON M5R 3G7, Canada
Grant AME Church - Grantful Food and Fellowship Food Bank and Soup Kitchen
Type of food offered
Fresh produce and non perishable food items.
Hours of operation
Fridays 3:30pm - 6:00pm
Address
2029 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4E 2B3, Canada
Nourish East End
Type of food offered
Fresh produce and non perishable food items.
Hours of operation
Wednesdays: 9:00am - 11:00am and 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Address
1470 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4L 2A3, Canada
Parkdale Community Food Bank
Type of food offered
Groceries.
Hours of operation
Wednesdays 10:00am to 4:30pm, Thursdays 10:00am to 4:30pm, Fridays 4:00pm to 8:00pm, Saturdays 10:00am to 4:30pm
Address
5 Brock Ave, Toronto, ON M6K 2K6, Canada
Rear Unit.
The Stop Community Food Centre
Type of food offered
Fresh meals
Hours of operation
Mondays and Fridays: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Address
1884 Davenport Rd, Toronto, ON M6N 4Y2, Canada
Little Trinity Good Food Market
Type of food offered
Fresh produce, hot beverages.
Hours of operation
Wednesdays: 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Address
425 King St E, Toronto, ON M5A 1L3, Canada
Yao Hua Supermarket
Type of food offered
discounted foods, fresh foods, ingredients for asian cuisines
Hours of operation
Everyday 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Address
643 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1Y2, Canada
Woodgreen Food Bank
Type of food offered
Fresh fruit and vegetables, and cupboard staples (canned goods, coffee etc.), pet food
Hours of operation
Every Tuesday, 1:00pm - 2:20pm
Address
650 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G5, Canada
Moss Park Market
Type of food offered
Fresh produce (fruits, vegetables) and canned goods
Hours of operation
Every Saturday, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Address
260 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M5A 1S6, Canada
St. John the Compassionate Mission
Type of food offered
Food for Families program: Fresh produce, dry and canned foods, Joanna's Breakfast program: Hot and cold breakfast
Hours of operation
Food for Families program: Every Thursday 1 - 3:30 p.m., Joanna's Breakfast program: Every Tuesday to Friday, 5 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Address
155 Broadview Ave, Toronto, ON M4M 2E9, Canada
St. Ann's Food Bank
Type of food offered
Hot food, fresh fruit and vegetables, cupboard staples (canned goods, coffee, etc.)
Hours of operation
Every Saturday, 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Address
120 First Ave, Toronto, ON M4M 1X1, Canada
Mustard Seed (Fontbonne Ministries)
Type of food offered
Hot food, fresh fruit and vegetables, and cupboard staples (canned goods, coffee etc.)
Hours of operation
Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11:30am - 1pm (Every Week - Drop-In)
Address
791 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H6, Canada
Bloor Fruit Market
Type of food offered
Very affordable fresh food and vegetables
Hours of operation
9AM-8:30PM - 7 days a week
Address
662 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1K9, Canada
The Alexandra Park Co-op Food Program
Type of food offered
Available items include fresh produce, pantry goods, dairy products, etc.
Hours of operation
Fridays: 12:00pm – 2:00pm and 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Address
19 Carr Street, Toronto, ON, Canada
The Alexandra Park Co-op Food Program runs out of the Community Room at 19 Carr every Friday. Please buzz 7777 at 19 Carr if you do not have a FOB for the building. Masks are required inside the community room. Please bring your own bags for groceries and empty egg cartons are always appreciated!
Fort York Food Bank
Hours of operation
Please contact for hours.
Address
380 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 1S6, Canada
Do you have a favourite community pantry or mom-and-pop-owned produce store? Let your fellow Torontonians in on the best places to shop affordably by completing our form.
Here's your chance to support the only independent, hyperlocal news outlet dedicated to serving gen Zs, millennials and other underserved communities in Toronto. Donate now to support The Green Line.
PART 3
HOW TO MAP
YOUR GROCERY TRIP
A community dinner and Story Circle hosted by The Green Line.
About the Event
We’re partnering with St. Stephen-In-The-Fields church to host a community dinner and Story Circle in the Kensington-Chinatown neighbourhood on Tuesday, Feb. 18 from 6 to 9 p.m. We’ll be talking about how to find affordable groceries and expand our Neighbourhood Food Map together.
We'll also have resource tables featuring Fred Victor, FoodShare Toronto, Building Roots and Not Far from the Tree.
Delicious catering will be served by Rasta Pasta, so you don't want to miss out!
Our event is Pay What You Can, as we want to include as many Torontonians as possible in this conversation. For transparency, here's a breakdown of our costs:
- Venue rental: $50
- Food and drinks: $300
- Labour: $1,200
If you'd like to support our team in continuing to host community-focused events like this, we'd appreciate a contribution of $31 to help us fully cover operational costs. If this is above your budget, we'd appreciate a payment of $10. If that's still a barrier to you joining us, you can contribute as much as you're able (even $1!)
RSVP before spots fill up.
Events are an essential part of our Action Journey. We want to empower Torontonians to take action on the issues they learn about in The Green Line — so what better way to do that than by bringing people together? From community members to industry leaders, anyone in Toronto who’s invested in discussing and solving the problems explored in our features is invited to attend. All ages are welcome unless otherwise indicated. Our only guidelines? Be present. Listen. Be kind and courteous. Respect everyone’s privacy. Hate speech and bullying are absolutely not tolerated. At the end of the day, if you had fun and feel inspired after our events, then The Green Line team will have accomplished what we set out to do. Any questions? Contact Us.
PART 4
SHOP LOCAL,
EAT TOGETHER
Event Overview
See what you missed
from our latest event.
Our community members brainstormed solutions for navigating food prices in Toronto.
Compiled by Sahaana Ranganathan.
Event attendees talk about their experience shopping for food amidst the city's cost-of-living crisis during Story Circles.
: Amartya Smaran/The Green Line.
Goldie Wallensky, who's featured in The Green Line's photo essay about food banks, explains how she navigates meal programs to complement her pension.
: Amartya Smaran/The Green Line.
Event attendees brainstormed solutions and resources to navigate the food affordability crisis in the city.
: Amartya Smaran/The Green Line.
Representatives from Fred Victor, FoodShare Toronto, Not Far from the Tree and Building Roots talked about the resources each organization offers.
: Amartya Smaran/The Green Line.
SOLUTIONS
ACTIONS
Do something about the problems that
impact you and your communities.
Find local markets
near you
There are many local markets across Toronto, and many maps to explore them.
For example, FoodShare hosts a map of community markets, which offer high quality, culturally-relevant, affordable produce. The Scarborough Environmental Association has also curated a Map of Ethnic Grocery Stores.
Grow a community
garden
The City of Toronto has a tool to find nearby community gardens, and create new ones.
You can also look into relevant resources and workshops curated by FoodShare and Building Roots.
Volunteer with
food agencies
Many food banks and community gardens frequently look for volunteers to help pack and distribute food to the community. You can find them using 211 Ontario.
One program to check out is Not Far From the Tree Toronto, where volunteers harvest fresh fruit from Toronto’s urban orchards. The fruits are then split between the tree owner, volunteers and community agencies.
Join
our community
Continue the conversation with other Green Line community members
Event attendees sit in Story Circles during the February Action Journey event "How to find affordable groceries in your neighbhourhood."
: Amartya Smaran/The Green Line.
Become a Green Liner to get exclusive access to our events and meet a community of people who want to rewrite Toronto's identity together.
