As food prices skyrocket, the York Region Food Network is expanding its affordable food markets, with a new one popping up in Aurora, to help residents access healthy produce.
The network partners with local farmers to sell local, seasonal fruits and vegetables at lower prices, like sweet peppers for 75 cents, lettuce for $1 and at the June 12 market in downtown Aurora, there was free bok choy.
“Some of these farms intentionally grow extra food so that we can go harvest that produce or it gets harvested for us,” said Chantal McCallum, the organization’s market co-ordinator.
“We have some greenhouse-grown items, other farms where they’re harvesting the leafy greens, so we’ll start to see more items as the seasons progresses, of course.”
The organization has funding to buy fruits and vegetables, often selling them at cost, and they sometimes also receive donations from farmers. Sometimes, they make food with the produce they gather and sell that.
“Because we have direct access to the farms, and we can purchase them for less, we charge essentially what we pay for these items.”
The food network also operates Good Food markets Newmarket, Georgina, Richmond Hill, Whitchurch-Stouffville and Markham.
“Very high demand, it’s incredible, we usually sell out at every market. We will adjust our purchasing of produce based on what we sold out the last time, we’ll just buy more produce to make sure we can provide for the need.”
McCallum said the market does not run on a “scarcity or charity model,” meaning the market can source more food based on demand, and anyone is welcome to come to the market.
“There’s a need for us, definitely, there’s a need for us,” added McCallum.
Aurora resident Sharon Frohwein said she was happy to hear about an alternative option to the grocery store for produce.
“It’s just nuts out there,” said Aurora resident Sharon Frohwein. “If you can get something a little cheaper, that’s what we need, because the stores are charging way too much.”
Newmarket fresh food markets are scheduled for June 27, July 11 and 25 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the back field of Maple Leaf Public School, 155 Longford Dr.
The new downtown market in Aurora is offered again on July 10 and Aug. 14 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at 44 Metcalfe St. The northeast Aurora market is being held on June 26, July 24 and Aug. 28 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Northridge Community Church of the Salvation Army at 15338 Leslie St.
You can information about the fresh food markets in the region here.