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On Saturday May 25th, the Toronto Food Terminal, Canada’s only fresh produce wholesale market, opened it’s doors for their Taste of the Food Terminal event. Although the Food Terminal never closes–as it is opened 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year–it is very rare for the public to gain access to its facilities. Typically, vendors must pay $155 bi-annually for privileged entry, but last weekend it only cost $10 to walk the grounds and sample food.
The Food Terminal’s special event was held in benefit of Foodshare Toronto, a non-profit dedicated to providing undeserved communities with healthy food. On this day, ticket holders had the opportunity to explore the U-shaped facilities’ 40-acre lot, which is located north of the Gardiner Expressway at 165 Queensway, Etobicoke. Of this area, the Toronto Food Terminal has an 80,000 square foot cold storage zone,a 10-acre farmer’s market, and a modest outdoor flower market.
Throughout the year, local vendors pay $3.14 a square-foot to set up a stand and conduct business. During the course of a regular business week, paid members barter aggressively with these vendors for reduced pricing on a variety of market goods. Due to the volume of vendors in the market, all of which usually open between 2am and 4am and carry well into the afternoon, it is not a surprise that the Toronto Food Terminal’s annual revenue sits comfortably in the millions. Despite having no government support, the total revenue each year keeps the facility both sustainable and profitable.
The Toronto Food Terminal is owned by the provincial government and is a significant supplier of produce for local grocery chains in Canada, such as The Kitchen Table and Maple Produce, as well as many restaurants. It should be noted that the Food Terminal does not do business with large grocery franchises like Loblaws, as such companies deal directly with select farmers. With this aside, the Food Terminal has been Toronto’s leading wholesale market since since 1954, when 56 vendors transferred over from the St. Lawrence Markets. Due to its prime location, vendors enjoyed a break from the congestion of Front and Jarvis while maintaining centrality in terms of transport. Today, most food is delivered via truck, however, because of the close distance to Pearson Airport, large orders are sometimes flown in.
Since we’re on the topic of food and the Taste of Food Terminal has already passed, let’s take a look at some up-coming Toronto food events:
- Big Night at the Green Barn — Wednesday, June 5th. $200-per-ticket, four-course meal prepared by top Toronto chefs at the Green Barn (601 Christie Street).
- Jamie Kennedy’s Culinary Series — Friday, June 7th at the Gardiner Museum (111 Queen’s Park). $150-per-ticket, four-course Italian-themed meal.
- Toronto Fringe Festival — Celebrating its 25th year! Please visit the website for details.
- TO Food Fest — Returning June 23rd!
Photo Credits: Ontario Food Terminal Board.
