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About Us
The East End Food Hub is a collaborative space powered by a partnership between Applegrove, the Leslieville Farmers’ Market, Nourish East End, and East End United Regional Ministry with support from the City of Toronto. Together, we work to strengthen our community by providing programs and services focused on food security, entrepreneurship, and community building.
Our Mission
Our mission is to create a resilient and inclusive food system that increases access to fresh, local food, supports emerging food businesses, teaches essential food skills, and provides emergency food assistance to those in need. We believe that through food, we can build stronger connections and foster well-being in our community.
The Hub Team
The East End Food Hub is home to four key organizations that collaboratively manage the space and contribute to a diverse range of programs and services. Together, they bring a wide range of expertise and support to ensure the success of our shared vision.
Applegrove CC
Applegrove is a multi-service community organization that works with community members and partners to offer programs and services for people of all ages, host meetings and events, support action on local issues and provide local job and volunteer opportunities in support of a caring and vibrant community.
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Applegrove is one of 10 City of Toronto community centres managed, operated and maintained by volunteer Boards of Management. Collectively referred to as the Association of Community Centres (AOCCs), these centres provide space, programs and services to meet local recreational and social needs.
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Applegrove’s main location is at Duke of Connaught Public School at 60 Woodfield Road, and it operates at the East End Food Hub.
The Leslieville Farmers' Market
The Leslieville Farmers’ Market is one of Toronto’s largest community farmers’ markets, active since 2011. Operated by the Neighbourhood Food Project, the market supports dozens of farmers, chefs, and local food producers while bringing the neighbourhood together each Sunday from May through October at Greenwood Park.
More than just a market, the LFM is a weekly celebration of food and community, with music, arts, and over 65 vendors. At the East End Food Hub, the “LFM Basecamp” serves as a launchpad for food start-ups and a resource center for local producers, offering space for food-related programs, production, and collaboration.
Nourish East End
Nourish East End (formerly known as the Glen Rhodes Foodbank) is a busy market-style food bank. Each week, they provide welcoming access to fresh, nutritious food for over 600 individuals. They welcome clients with an understanding that all human beings have the right to fresh, quality, and nutritious food in an environment where their dignity and choices are respected. They advocate for food security for all.
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Their programs are made possible by the work and effort of more than 60 volunteers drawn from across the community. Many have their own experiences of food insecurity and are committed to giving back to others. Nourish is also supported by an array of local businesses, schools and organizations.
East End United Reginal Ministry
The East End United Regional Ministry came about in 2018 as a partnership between the Cosburn, Glen Rhodes, and Eastminster United Churches. These three churches chose in June 2017 to chart a new path that would allow them to define the legacy of their individual churches and become an agile, creative ministry that is responsive to opportunities arising from the relationships built within our neighbourhoods. One of the principles of the new regional ministry reflected in this constitution is the concept that we will welcome and embrace new congregations as members of this ministry, giving others the opportunities to bring and amplify their gifts.
In 2018, East End United Regional Ministry entered into discussions with Applegrove and the City of Toronto to explore the transformation of the Glen Rhodes United Church into the East End Food Hub. The goal is to maximize the building's community impact and potential while also creating a vibrant place to continue worship services.
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Our Vision
We envision a future where every neighbourhood in Toronto has its own food hub - community food spaces reflect the unique character and needs of the communities they serve. Food is more than sustenance; it’s a tool for creating resilient and sustainable communities.
We believe our food system requires transformation, from reducing its ecological footprint to addressing the health crises caused by processed foods. Our goal is to explore ways to empower local communities to take control of their food system while rediscovering the joy of growing, cooking, and sharing food. By doing so, we can help those most vulnerable and strengthen the social fabric of our neighbourhoods.
