Feed Scarborough, a non-profit organization dedicated to tackling food insecurity in the eastern part of Toronto, is seeking support to partially rebuild its community farm following a recent fire. The farm, located on St. Clair Avenue East near the Scarborough GO Transit station, was damaged by fire just a week after two instances of alleged vandalism occurred, where a repurposed TTC bus and a commercial truck used for food deliveries were vandalized with graffiti.
The fire broke out at approximately 3 a.m. on July 8, when an employee from a nearby business noticed the flames and reported it to emergency services. Fire crews from the Toronto Fire Services managed to extinguish the fire shortly afterward. Suman Roy, the founder of Feed Scarborough—identified as the Scarborough Food Security Initiative—expressed his devastation over the incident, questioning the intentions behind such destructive actions.
Manager Sukhmani Singh provided insights into the extent of the damage during a site visit, pointing out the melted decorative light bulbs and parts of the bus, along with the hose used to bring water from about 200 feet away. Fortunately, many of the garden plots, which feature culturally significant crops like okra and eggplant, were spared from the flames.
CityNews reached out to the Toronto Police Service for further information regarding the fire investigation, but no updates were available at the time. The uncertainty surrounding whether the incident was arson has led Roy to wait for investigative findings, noting that some have speculated that it may be connected to a nearby shelter. He emphasized the importance of maintaining community solidarity rather than jumping to conclusions.
The farm, located at 3595 St. Clair Ave. E., not only serves as a community garden but also houses a food distribution center, freezers, a commercial kitchen that prepares approximately 2,000 meals each week, and a classroom for culinary training. The produce grown on site contributes to this hub or is distributed immediately, making it an essential resource for the community.
Community Concerns Highlighted
The recent fire incident underscores the precarious nature of community garden infrastructure within Toronto, especially during a time when food insecurity is on the rise. Sharita Henry, a director at FoodShare Toronto—a non-profit focused on food justice—argued that spaces like Feed Scarborough are vital for community programming, education, and food security, noting the alarming state of food insecurity affecting about 25.5% of Toronto residents.
Henry linked the growing challenges with food prices, job losses, and systemic barriers like racism, which disproportionately impact diverse communities such as Scarborough. She stressed the need for policy changes addressing all factors leading to inadequate food access, advocating for liveable wages and the dismantling of systemic barriers.
Henry encouraged individuals to engage with their local food systems, join community gardens, and support initiatives like Feed Scarborough, as these local efforts play a crucial role in mitigating food insecurity. Additionally, she highlighted the need for infrastructure development for community gardens across Toronto to expand their reach and impact.
In light of their recent challenges, Roy and the Feed Scarborough team are appealing for financial and volunteer assistance to aid in their rebuilding efforts. They require funds to replace materials for the damaged fence and repaint the truck and bus. Roy articulated their desire to handle repairs cost-effectively by seeking community support rather than outsourcing the work.
Click here to access Feed Scarborough's website for further information on how to assist.
