Food deserts, by definition are neighbourhoods where there are few or no food stores within convenient proximity. Depending upon the source, the definition varies, often including socio-economic factors (income, culture and ethnicity) or delineating between healthy and non-healthy food options, as well as affordability.
These under-served neighbourhoods exist everywhere – and Toronto has its fair share. As a very urban city, much of the city’s population lives within the core and immediate perimeter where many residents don’t own cars. In this city of neighbourhoods, that bring together the have and have-nots, Toronto residents expect to be able to find all of their needs fulfilled within their own neighbourhood, usually within a short walk and at affordable prices.
Filling the void
Shoppers Drugmart (now owned by Loblaw) is looking to fill a void in some of these forgotten neighbourhoods, re-jigging their stores with an expanded grocery and fresh food offering. One of the five pilot locations, on the corner of Queen St. East and Carlaw in the heart of Leslieville had its soft opening last week. As with some other areas in the city. Leslieville is a neighbourhood in transition. A unique mix of hot restaurants, niche boutiques and premium food retailers such as Leslieville Cheese and Rowe Farms are dotted amongst pawn shops, greasy spoons and run-down convenience stores. The housing market is active and loft condos are springing up in industrial buildings and empty lots. Yet, there are no produce markets or small grocers to serve the influx – sure there are discount grocery stores on the northern fringe and Loblaws locations within a fairly short drive, but generally it is sadly lacking in grocery options within a short walk, particularly affordable ones. The area was in need. Busy professionals, hipsters and yummy mummies looking for convenience yet conscious of quality and cost had no options for their infill shopping excursions or last minute meal solutions.
The newly renovated Shoppers now carries an expanded frozen food section featuring Presidents Choice products including many of their healthier Blue Menu options along with fresh produce, ACE bakery products, fresh meat and cheese, a selection of prepared and ready-to-eat food. On opening day, product was nicely presented and looked fresh. Priced by package or individual item versus by weight, it’s difficult to make cost comparisons with typical supermarkets, but prices seemed acceptable. When I checked out the store again on Labour Day Monday, though relatively well stocked, much of the perishable product was about to expire.
Sustainable model
There will be lots of bugs to work out prior to their official opening on September 20th. Inventory management and staff training are particularly critical, when a product’s shelf life is less than a week. Product will need to be fresh, kept looking its best and properly rotated as well as geared to the needs of each neighbourhood.
This particular location will have its challenges. Chosen as one of the worst Shoppers locations by Blog TO in part because of store management, under-staffing and poor security, there will be a lot that will need to be done. For now a need is being addressed, but it is sustainable? As a resident and consumer I hope so but as an industry insider I look forward to observing over the next few months.
