West End Food Co-op

By Christine Donnelly

Sometimes, even though I live near Queen and Lansdowne, I’ve got to admit I love Parkdale.

On Monday night, despite the miserable weather, the Gladstone Hotel ballroom was packed with the boisterous residents of Toronto’s diverse West end. Gathered to find out how we could get involved in the launch of a West End Food Co-op, the crowd (which at times stretched in a line out the door) mingled with local farmers, direct traders, politicians and co-op board members. This kickoff event was the start of the West End Food Co-op’s year-long campaign, which ultimately aims to raise enough money to open a grocery store in Parkdale by the end of next year.

Focused on bringing the fresh produce of local farmers into the community, the co-op is a natural extension of the Sorauren Farmer’s Market, which was established by this same group in 2008. Philipp Haderer, director of the co-op, called the store “…an opportunity to be active citizens and not passive consumers.” read more...