Even with inflation levelling off in Canada, food prices are still high. According to Canada’s Food Price Report, overall food prices are expected to increase this year anywhere between 2.5% and 4.5% (compared to 5% to 7% in 2023). The average family of four is expected to spend $16,297.20 on food in 2024, an increase of up to $701.79 from last year (compared to an increase of $1,065 in 2023).
Some experts believe that pricing activity can be explained by sellers’ inflation, where supply “shocks” allow companies to increase prices and take in record profits.
Loblaws, in particular, has become the face of food inflation, with some accusing its parent company and subsidiaries accused of engaging in corporate greed practices and price gouging. This month, thousands of Canadian shoppers nationwide are participating in a month-long boycott against the Loblaw family and other large-chain supermarkets to protest food inflation.
Due to the increasing costs of groceries and the ‘greedflation’ theory, many Torontonians are looking for alternative places to shop than mainstream grocery stores. Here are some ideas:
Co-Op Grocery Stores
Co-ops are owned by the community members who shop there, so they’re the best places to shop for local and organic food. Many members work in the store, lend their expertise through committees, decide what products are stocked, and manage the co-op through their Board of Directors.
There are about 300+ natural food co-ops across Canada and the U.S. One of the most notable local co-ops is Karma Co-op at 739 Palmerston Avenue, close to Bloor and Bathurst, which has been in business since 1972. In a recent news report, management said that they saw a 50 per cent growth in signups in recent weeks and that they’re hearing from new members that many are motivated to seek alternative places to shop due to the Loblaw boycott.
Farmers markets
Produce at farmers markets is often fresher compared to supermarkets as it’s locally grown. Shopping at these markets is also a good way to support local farmers/growers and sustain their livelihoods rather than megastores. The Stop’s Farmers’ Market (Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie Street) is one of the few farmers’ markets in Toronto that is open year-round. The St. Lawrence Farmer’s Market (93 Front St. E.) is one of the most popular in the city—a culinary hotspot featuring over 120 merchants and farmers selling local and healthy foods. Every Saturday at dawn, in the North Market building, farmers arrive to sell their meat, cheese, and produce (something they have been doing for more than 200 years)! You can also click here for a list of the best farmers markets to visit within 90 minutes of Toronto
Community-shared agriculture programs
These programs allow farmers to receive a set fee from the consumer for the growing season. In exchange, consumers receive a weekly share of freshly grown, local produce for themselves and their families to enjoy! Farmers are given the opportunity to make a viable income by growing food in a responsible way, avoiding the middleman (the grocery store). Click here for more information about a CSA in the Toronto area and here for other CSAs across the country.
Independent food grocers
Another way to support local growers is by shopping at independent food communities and grocers. These stores may not be as flashy as megastores, but their focus is more on the food than anything else. Fiesta Farms (200 Christie St.) is Toronto’s largest independently owned grocery store—they’re big enough to carry products you’d expect from a chain, but they also choose what those products are, who makes them, where they come from, and what’s in them. Click here for more independent food communities and grocers in Toronto.
Sidewalk markets
You can find sidewalk markets with great deals on fresh fruits and vegetables across the city but the streets of Kensington Market feature a wide array of affordable and delish foods, including fresh produce, fish, cheese, meats, breads, desserts, bulk spices, and nuts.
