The Good Food Market brings fresh produce to George Brown College
Food is not always easily accessible. Partnering with community organizations, the Good Food Market has found a home at George Brown College (GBC).
“The presence of the Good Food Market at George Brown College is important because many students live in food deserts,” said Good Food Market staff member Mireya Forero. “Students living in food deserts face high financial cost and scheduling challenges associated with travelling long distances to buy groceries. Access to quality food is a human right, not a privilege.”
Established in 2012 at the St. James campus, the Good Food Market was later introduced at the Waterfront campus in 2014, bringing high-quality, affordable and fresh fruits and vegetables to the college.
The program was brought to the Waterfront Campus by the Student Association of George Brown College in partnership with FoodShare Toronto, a non-profit organization that provides quality produce to communities where it may not otherwise be available, or where farmers’ markets cannot be sustained due to low sales.
Having become quite popular within the George Brown community, Forero says that students depend on their services for quality produce. “Paying for school and eating well are difficult and we’re here to make it easy.”
The Good Food Market has had a significant impact on Toronto’s communities over the years. Of the individuals who reported having used the service, 79 per cent returned to other markets and 98 per cent reported seeing an improvement in their neighbourhood, according to FoodShare Toronto.
Customers also reported making healthier food choices and preparing more home-cooked meals.
“Students love the Good Food Market so much that they have asked us to run year-long markets,” said Forero. “Now, the Good Food Markets run throughout all school semesters.”
Students can visit the Good Food Market in the main lobby at Waterfront campus every Wednesday from 10:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. and at St. James campus on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. also in the main lobby.
