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Local Food Delivery - Fresh from the Farm

Hi everyone,

I'm a co-founder of 100 Mile Market (and live in Leslieville), and for
the last three years we've been busy supplying restaurants, chefs and
caterers with exceptional local food, fresh from the farm. We don't
carry inventory, so the food is delivered right from our 125 producer
roster (all within a 100 mile radius of the city).

We are getting asked by more and more people where they themselves can
buy the food we source - the short answer is nowhere. Our producers
don't have enough volume for conventional supermarkets, but typically
too much for farmers markets, and we aren't at the stage where our own
retail location is on the radar.

So we are running a pilot program of delivering to homeowners on
Saturdays to assess interest. The product list includes a
comprehensive range of produce, meats, fish, dairy, grains and some
prepared foods, many of which are not easily found at retail, and we
are proud to identify our producers for each item. Our Producer
Relations team are all farmers themselves, so they know how to identify
great products.

To make this viable, the minimum order is $200 + $35 delivery in our
own refrigerated vans, and since many of the pack sizes are food
service standards, it would work for ordering for family and friends.

If you'd like to find out more, let me know! 416.708.6659 or cmck@100milemarket.com

Chris McKittrick

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Michelle Cliffe on February 23, 2010 at 12:03pm

Hi Chris,

The $200 price tag is likely more than our family could eat or afford. But, Leslieville is in dire need of a green grocer. I moved here from Roncesvalles, which is teeming with green grocers, and I'm really missing the ability to get fresh veg every day.

You mentioned that you're not in a position to open a retail outlet, but that you're getting more and more request from individuals. Have you considered starting a food cooperative? They are fairly common in Canada, and I believe there are government grants available to begin one. A quick Google search provides some great info.

I would definitely be interested in getting involved with starting a food co-op, and buying from one. I'm getting a little tired of having to get non-local veg at Loblaws!

Michelle Cliffe

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Permalink Reply by Labspace Studio on February 26, 2010 at 3:31pm

Hi Chris,

I operate an artist-space/performance venue at Pape & Queen with my partner John. Though we live on the west-end, most of our time is spent in Leslieville (working, creating, eating in and dining out).

We, like Michelle, have grown weary of running out to Loblaws for fresh produce. We've flirted with the idea of offering up Labspace (big open studio) to host a weekly farmer's market. But we have no idea where to begin. I am just throwing the idea out there. We currently rent our space to artists in the community for rehearsals and performances. Why not a farmer's market?! This community desperately needs one. If anyone is interested in continuing this discussion, I am all over it.

Best,
Laura

Laura Mendes
Director - Labspace Studio
| 416 836 1516 | 2A Pape Ave., Toronto |
| www.labspacestudio.com |

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Permalink Reply by Chris McKittrick on March 1, 2010 at 8:06pm

Hi Laura,

Thanks to you, Michelle and everyone else who has responded to my original post - there's clearly a demand for local food, We're doing our best to figure out how to make the range of products we have in our listing available, and the suggestions have been extremely helpful.

We celebrate everyone in local food endeavours, and we'd be happy to supply anyone who wishes to run a local food / farmers market. We aren't in a position to run it ourselves since our efforts (and $!) are invested in the fresh-from-the-farm model which is unique in the breadth and depth of products we offer - the home delivery is an extension of what we've been successfully doing for chefs and restaurants, so we have full confidence in the products and delivery system.

I completely agree that the optimal solution is a retail store where people can shop daily, and one day, we'll make that happen. Until then, we're doing what we can to meet the demand!

Chris

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Permalink Reply by ScottR on March 2, 2010 at 11:40pm

All,

There is a storefront shop actually called "Fresh From the Farm" just south of O'Connor on Donlands. While not technically Leslieville, they have great stuff and have been bringing local, hormone- and drug-free meats and other local products to the Toronto market for about 14 yrs. Check them out at: http://www.freshfromthefarm.ca. I'd definitely shop at a farmers market in Leslieville if there was one. Right now we go to either East York Civic Centre or East Lynn Park.

Also, George's Butcher Shop (Meat-ing on Queen) at Jones/Queen seems to be pretty good at stocking local meat where possible. Super friendly too.

Scott

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Permalink Reply by Nolin (Admin) on March 3, 2010 at 7:20am

George also brings in some basic produce from the Food Terminal - potatoes, onions, carrots, celery, broccoli, cucumbers, etc. Nice to be able to run out for some local meats and also grab veggies for dinner.

ScottR said:

All, There is a storefront shop actually called "Fresh From the Farm" just south of O'Connor on Donlands. While not technically Leslieville, they have great stuff and have been bringing local, hormone- and drug-free meats and other local products to the Toronto market for about 14 yrs. Check them out at: http://www.freshfromthefarm.ca. I'd definitely shop at a farmers market in Leslieville if there was one. Right now we go to either East York Civic Centre or East Lynn Park.

Also, George's Butcher Shop (Meat-ing on Queen) at Jones/Queen seems to be pretty good at stocking local meat where possible. Super friendly too.

Scott