by Adjoba Messam
Room A at 21 Panorama Court in North Etobicoke offers more than just a grocery shopping experience; it’s a market driven by social purpose, where fresh produce and community spirit await you.
On May 29th, 2024 the Rexdale Community Hub (The Hub) launched a wonderful project to bring fresh food and neighbourly service to our community! Funded by United Way Greater Toronto, the “Rexdale Community Grocery Market" aims to alleviate food insecurity while continuing to encourage families to access the wrap-around services and programs that The Hub has to offer. “It was an idea initiated 8 years ago at a community table which included stakeholders like the North Etobicoke Residents Council (NERC)”, shares Margaret Nelson who is a proud community volunteer since 1975.
Shoppers at the soft launch of Rexdale Community Grocery Market in May
The social supermarket model is seen in other parts of the world such as England, United Kingdom. The drive to tackle the food crisis worsened by the pandemic finally pushed Rexdale's own community grocery store into existence. In fact, researchers from Toronto Metropolitan University’s “Centre for Studies in Food Security" are attentively following the project's success.
Step into the space and you will find a colorful array of fruits and vegetables like pineapples, mangoes, strawberries, citrus, tomatoes, lettuce, bell peppers and plantain. “It is for a social purpose as opposed to a profit. We're trying to keep the prices low and provide food…It's going well!” says Russ Mitchell, Collaborative Services Lead at The Hub.
The Rexdale Community Hub proudly introduces the "Rexdale Community Grocery Market" to tackle food insecurity and strengthen neighborhood bonds. It is open every Wednesday and Thursday to support sustainable, affordable food for all!
The market also welcomes volunteers to assist with greeting, helping people to navigate the market, and receiving customer feedback. “It is community-led…a lot of residents are running the market. It is not a food bank. You can come and at your personal choice and independence, choose what items you want”, explains Aiman Malhi who is The Hub's Neighbourhood Engagement Coordinator.
Eva (left), a Youth Volunteer with Albion Neighbourhood Sevices enjoys the mangoes while Nafisa, a volunteer, attentively arranges the vibrant fruits sold at the market.
If you are new to our neighbourhood or The Hub, you can find the “Rexdale Community Grocery Market” at 21 Panorama Court in Room A. Cash, debit and credit are accepted forms of payment and no registration is required. The market is open all seasons on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9am - 7pm.
Head on out to support a great initiative for sustainable and affordable food, or just drop by to say “Hello!" to a neighbour!
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