I first learned of Karma Food Co-operative from a Jane's Walk event that I attended. Karma Co-op is…read morea member-owned, democratic grocery store that offers ethically sourced, fairly priced, and locally growned food while reducing waste and supporting local growers and businesses. It's located in the Seaton Village neighbourhood of Bloor St. West (on a quiet residential street), which is walking distance from Bathurst subway station on the Bloor line.
From Karma Food Co-op's website: "In 1972, a group of Torontonians founded a food store for a community of actively participating members who felt a connection to the food they ate and the people who grew it. Together, they would be able to exercise political and economic control over their food and help to build a more win-win food system."
Upon entry, there is a members' room on one side, and a display of ready-to-eat baked goods and samosa for sale. The grocery store offers various fresh produce and products (many are eco-friendly, organic, locally sourced or grown, and/or carry the fair trade certification label). Grocery selection includes produce, bread, grains, bulk nuts and spices, everyday household and cleaning items - all the daily essentials.
There is a large chalkboard listing the current and upcoming events such as participation in Jane's Walk and Doors Open, plant sale, plant swap, and more. Sometimes they hold workshops as well (most are geared towards environmentally friendly and healthy living), e.g. DIY Fair Trade Body Scrubs Workshop, DIY Natural & Effective Bug Spray Workshop, Vegetarian Onigiri Workshop, etc. The full list of events and workshops can be found on their website.
As this is a members-owned grocery store, there is a strong community neighbourhood feel upon entering. All the staff are very friendly. There is also a small community kitchen at the back.