Toronto Grocer Launches Initiative to Fund Emergency Food Relief

TORONTO, April 7, 2020 /CNW/ - Fresh City, a Toronto farm and online and bricks and mortar grocer, announced today that it has partnered with FoodShare Toronto to assist in getting food to those in need at this critical time.  "We need to stand in solidarity with those in need. Our most vulnerable and racialized communities are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. We are proud to partner with FoodShare Toronto as they deliver on their mission of good healthy food for all." said Ran Goel founder and CEO of Fresh City.

FoodShare Toronto is working closely with their frontline agency partners to ensure that people who are facing food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic are getting access to good food. Many people in this city cannot afford to stockpile groceries. Children who benefit from school nutrition programs are now going without a meal while they stay home. People with disabilities, who are socially isolated, have mental health challenges, or are living in transitional housing also have urgent needs that are not being met. 

To help support FoodShare's emergency food access work, Fresh City has added quick donation options to their online market. Customers can simply add a donation to their cart and Fresh City will take care of the rest. Donations can be added as a one-time contribution or added to every order. This means that existing customers can now easily shop for themselves and for those in need, all at one time. "We heard from many of our customers that they were looking for ways to help." said Goel. "Every dollar donated through our market will go straight to FoodShare's COVID-19 relief projects. Our goal is to raise $25,000 by the end of June."

"Within two weeks of launching our initiative, thousands of folks have requested an Emergency Good Food Box, and the number is growing. Our goal is to continue supporting these folks with a weekly home food delivery at no cost for the duration of the crisis," said Paul Taylor, Executive Director, FoodShare Toronto. "A donation of $25 provides a family of four with a week's supply of fresh vegetables and fruit."

Not yet a Fresh City customer? Please consider supporting FoodShare's incredible response efforts so that we don't leave anyone behind. Visit FoodShare's Emerency Good Food Box page to donate directly.

ABOUT FOODSHARE

FoodShare Toronto is Canada's largest food justice organization. A leader in the food movement since 1985, FoodShare works to dismantle oppressive structures that hold poverty and food insecurity in place. To that end, FoodShare collaborates with those most affected by poverty and food insecurity—Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, and people with disabilities. FoodShare      advocates for bold public policy interventions, offers innovative food education and nutrition programs, and increases access to fresh, nutritious food. Each year FoodShare reaches over 260,000 people.

Web: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/34403/donation

Twitter/Instagram/Facebook: @foodshareto

ABOUT FRESH CITY

Fresh City, founded in 2011 by Ran Goel, is a city farm and retailer of farm-fresh, organic produce and prepared food. Each day they make locally and organically sourced meal kits and chef-inspired meals, salads, snacks and breakfasts from scratch. In late 2018 Fresh City acquired Mabel's Bakery, a popular bakery in Toronto, producing artisan breads and pastries. Shortly after, in early 2019, they acquired The Healthy Butcher, a pioneer in organic and 100% grass-fed beef. Fresh City runs Canada's largest commercial city farm in Downsview Park, and also farms at Baka on Highway 427.  They have eight retail locations between the three brands. Fresh City delivers straight to customers' doors or to pick-up locations throughout the Greater Toronto Area. By bringing makers and eaters together, they are creating a better life through food.

Web: www.freshcityfarms.com

Twitter/Instagram/Facebook: @FreshCityFarms

Hashtag: #BetterLifeThroughFood  

SOURCE Fresh City Farms Inc.