April 16, 2026
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Everywhere I go in Toronto, I hear the same concern from residents: groceries are simply too expensive. Families are making difficult choices, seniors are stretching fixed incomes, and more people than ever are turning to food banks just to get by. As a City Councillor, I believe we cannot stand by while a basic necessity becomes increasingly out of reach.
Access to nutritious and affordable food is not just a matter of convenience, it is a fundamental determinant of health. Where you live should not determine whether you can afford to eat well.
That’s why I introduced a motion to City Council last month to launch a pilot project establishing four City-operated grocery stores across Toronto. These locations would be prioritized in neighbourhoods with limited grocery access and lower household incomes.
To keep prices as low as possible, the stores would operate on a not-for-profit model, supported by measures such as waiving property taxes and development charges. The initiative would also leverage the City’s purchasing power by pooling food procurement across programs like school food initiatives, senior residences, and other municipal services. This approach would help drive down costs while supporting local and regional food producers, strengthening our local economy in the process.
The motion was amended at City Council, directing City staff to study the idea and chart out a path for us to open the stores. This report is expected in next year.
Toronto has always been a city that rises to meet its challenges. If we are serious about making life more affordable and addressing food deserts in our communities, we need to take bold steps and this is one of them.
Yours Truly,
City Councillor
Anthony Perruzza
Ward 7 – Humber River-Black Creek
