What the Project Is
100km Foods Inc. is a wholesale local food distributor in Toronto that connects local farmers with urban markets. With their help, farmers gain access to large urban markets and customers get delicious, farm-fresh food delivered to local restaurants, hotels, and retailers – it’s a win for all involved. This initiative bridges the gap between passionate, independent farmers and the bustling urban culinary scene in Toronto, Canada, and across Ontario. Born on a spark of inspiration when its founders, Grace Mandarano and Paul Sawtell, realized the logistical challenges of connecting small-scale food producers with chefs, the business was created to serve as the crucial link that brings the farm right to the city’s door. From its inception in 2008, after the founders left their corporate jobs to explore Asia, 100km Foods has operated with a clear focus: fair trade practices, sustainability, and a commitment to boost the local food economy.
Main Benefit
Key figures and facts that underscore the strengths of the project include:
- Bcorp score: 108.3
- Over 100 small and medium-sized Ontario farms in the network
- Distribution to over 650 food businesses across Toronto, the GTA, Golden Horseshoe, and the Kitchener/Cambridge/Waterloo regions
- More than 1,000 local products available year-round
- Products harvested to order and delivered in less than 24 hours from farm to door
Local Food Economy
100km Foods plays a pivotal role in fostering a robust local food economy in Ontario by creating a transparent and sustainable system. Farmers are treated fairly – they set their own prices and receive direct support from a team that picks up their fresh produce daily. This approach not only ensures that customers receive produce at its peak freshness but also builds an authentic connection between the consumer and the farmer. The emphasis on keeping food local means that ingredients retain their flavor and nutritional value, and the community gets access to the best regional offerings without the long wait or lengthy supply chain.
Pioneering Regenerative Agriculture
A standout component of the initiative is the commitment to regenerative agriculture. Innovative farmers, who are part of the 100km Foods network, embrace organic management practices that go beyond merely reducing CO2 emissions – they work on sequestering carbon and turning their soil into a carbon sink. Through the integration of sustainable practices and a holistic systems approach, these farmers are actively working to reverse some effects of the greenhouse effect. Recent data from various farming systems and pasture trials globally suggest that a shift to regenerative organic agriculture could potentially sequester more than 100% of current annual CO2 emissions… this kind of bold, forward-thinking practice is exactly what sets this project apart.
Building Sustainable Communities
The spirit of fairness and cooperation, as demonstrated by 100km Foods, extends beyond the distribution of fresh produce. It is a concentrated effort that touches on environmental sustainability and community building in genuine ways. Farmers, chefs, and local employees share a focus on sustainable practices and fair treatment – each step from the field to the table reinforces a robust system that is transparent and community-based. Every item is identified by its originating farm, ensuring that the consumer knows exactly where their food comes from, and in turn, this helps build awareness of the broader efforts to support local, sustainable food ecosystems in Ontario.
Transforming Urban Food Connections
Transforming urban food connections means tackling challenges with creativity. By enabling timely deliveries – less than 24 hours after harvest – and by ensuring that food is picked up directly from the farm, 100km Foods has revolutionized the idea of local, sustainable distribution. Their model not only overcomes the barrier of distance between the producer and the urban consumer but also addresses environmental concerns. At a time when the climate crisis is at the forefront, every step taken in local food distribution, sustainable practices, and fair engagement between stakeholders adds up. The freshness and quality of the food, combined with ethical sourcing and strong partnerships, illustrate how a business model can be both socially responsible and economically viable.
Project Impact
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – enhancing food security by ensuring access to fresh, nutritious food.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – promoting sustainable practices throughout the supply chain.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – encouraging regenerative agriculture to mitigate climate change impacts.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – preserving and revitalizing local ecosystems through sustainable farming.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – fostering collaboration between farmers, chefs, and local communities.
Cultivating a Future of Fresh, Locally Sourced Connections
The story of 100km Foods is a vibrant example of how a dedicated team, rooted in fairness and sustainability, can transform regional agriculture. From its humble beginnings on a napkin scribble to its current expansive network connecting over 100 farms with 650 businesses, the project continues to redefine the local food system. Embracing regenerative agriculture and fair trade practices, the initiative not only supports a healthy planet but also ensures that local communities benefit from economic growth and improved food quality. The dynamism of this initiative is evident in every step – from a farmer setting a competitive price to a chef sourcing top-quality ingredients – it all comes together in a model that is as socially conscious as it is practical. In the end, this local food ecosystem succeeds because it is built on genuine connections, thoughtful practices, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability.
