We Envision Vibrant, Resilient Neighbourhoods.

Starting in 2013 as a progressive grassroots social venture, Building Roots was initially founded in response to a lack of fresh food access and agricultural growing space across Toronto. On Saturdays year-round, the pay-what-you-can Moss Park Market offers fresh fruits and vegetables to community members in the Downtown East area of Toronto. Our participant-powered Urban Farm at Ashbridge Estate transforms each year and brings fresh local produce to the Moss Park community, as well as a wealth of knowledge and hands-on training for anyone that wishes to be involved.

We animate public spaces across Toronto Downtown East including on Toronto Community Housing property, bringing a variety of partners, local artists, musicians, performers, businesses, and other non-profit organizations; always working in the spirit of collaboration. With our local partners, we create programming to foster leadership and growth amongst community members, enabling environments for local residents to learn new skills and information, and opportunities for creative expression.

Long line-ups mark change

These days, our lineups for fresh foods are longer than they’ve ever been, and we are running out of food. This is despite stretching our budgets as far as we possibly can to provide accessible, dignified food options to our community. We are often the only resource for many to have fresh food for the week, and we want to continue to provide that for as many folks as we can.

Hunger isn't felt equally

Our small team and tremendously valued volunteers see firsthand that hunger isn’t felt equally. We recognize that we live in a country where colonialism, racism, ableism, and marginalization greatly determine who gets to access and accumulate wealth. Groups who face barriers to adequate income and safety nets are the exact same people who go without. Poverty, unemployment, and a lack of affordable housing push people into a state of food insecurity and hunger. 

Through the Building Roots Market and our Moss Park Coalition program we are allied with the Downtown East Toronto communities and our partners to not only address immediate health and wellness needs, but also to push for action and opportunities that provide adequate and accessible income and housing. 

We’re doing the best we can to manage this unprecedented challenge, but we can’t do it without you. For less than you would spend on a takeout lunch, you can feed someone healthy fresh fruits and vegetables.

We always appreciate cash donations, and we are also open to the donation of securities or mutual fund shares. With a donation of securities or mutual funds, capital gains tax does not apply, allowing you to give more and avoid paying capital gains taxes. Donate by December 31, 2022 to count towards your 2022 tax return.

Thank you for your support!