BlogTO writes on Toronto Office Markets, a new sustainable food initiative that brings local vendors into office lobbies. The project—launched by Toronto-based food-focused NGO,
Alimentary Initiatives—is an attempt to reduce the food industry's "triple bottom line" (environmental, social and economic costs) by bringing local venders and growers right into workspaces. After a successful pilot launch at the
Centre for Social Innovation, Toronto Office Markets is scheduled to open on March 8 in the lobby of ING Direct.
"Artisan market in style, different vendors will sell their goods to the employees and guests of the office. Offering a range of freshly baked breads, cheeses, produce, and ready-to-eat items like samosas and raw pizza, the concept offers food for now and later."
"[Head of Alimentary Initiatives] Aruna Handa sees the project as "win-win-win" and it's hard not to agree with her: since AI does not charge for the service, offices get the market with no financial investment, the employees gain convenient access to local food, and the vendors have to opportunity to increase their sales and profile."
"Handa believes that through initiatives like the Toronto Office Markets, the local food economy can be transformed into a more sustainable model in which residents have easier access to fresh food from nearby farmers and proprietors. While that plan is rather ambitious in its goals, the drive to bring these products directly to consumers is surely a good start."
original source BlogTO