Man holding a gardening tool standing next to a woman selecting fresh produce with illustrated text about urban food agriculture programs in the background.

Urban Agriculture and Food Programs

For Ages 10–25 

Food growing, sharing, and learning – for and with the community Food insecurity is rising across Malvern and Scarborough.

At MFRC, we believe food is a right, not a privilege. Our approach to food justice weaves together growing fresh and culturally relevant food, supporting local food systems, and making food a core part of our community programs.

Through our farm, market, food education, and 100% food integration model, we work to ensure every person, no matter their age or background, has access to the food they need to thrive.
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Senior woman wearing sunglasses and a red cap sitting on a chair in a lush garden with various plants and vegetables.
A three-acre farm rooted in culture, community, and food justice

Malvern Urban Farm is located on three acres of land in the Finch hydro corridor and is home to 25 community farming groups who grow fresh, culturally relevant produce. It launched in 2021 after years of community advocacy and is part of the City of Toronto’s CEED (Community Engagement and Entrepreneurial Development) garden program.

Farmers grow diverse crops using sustainable methods, often reflecting cultural food traditions. MFRC supports with crop planning, organic pest management, and access to a weekly community market.

Since opening, the farm has:
- Produced over 120,000 lbs of food
- Created  numerous sustainable community farming businesses
- Connected residents to culturally appropriate food while building livelihoods

In 2025, thanks to support from the City of Toronto, Hydro One, Infrastructure Ontario, and the Northpine Foundation, the farm is expanding. The expansion will double growing capacity, producing up to 80,000 lbs of food a year. This is the equivalent of 80,000 to 100,000 meals and will allow more residents to grow crops that reflect their cultures and food traditions. The expansion uses public land to increase food security and community resilience.
Download Flyer
Contact
Clarie Perttula
Urban Agriculture and Food Program Manager
cperttula@mfrc.org
Ikonik Icon

416-284-4184 ext 221

View Programs & Register
Email Us
Meet the Farmers
Two women standing behind a lemonade stand with signs advertising fresh squeezed lemonade, flavor of the week, and a chance to win free lemonade.
Fresh, local food at the heart of the neighbourhood Every Wednesday evening from June to October, MFRC hosts the Malvern Urban Farm Farmers Market, a weekly space for connection, culture, and community-grown food.

The market features:
-Produce grown at Malvern Urban Farm by local farmers
-Hot meals from community restaurants and caterers
-Family-friendly activities and information tables
-Seasonal events and neighbourhood updates
The market is more than a place to shop. It is where stories are shared, flavours are celebrated, and residents reconnect with the land and each other.
Download Flyer
Contact
Clarie Perttula
Urban Agriculture and Food Program Manager
cperttula@mfrc.org
Ikonik Icon

416-284-4184 ext 221

View Programs & Register
Email Us
Meet the Farmers
Person wearing a red cap and blue jacket watering a lush garden with rows of leafy plants and vegetables near suburban houses.
Training new growers. Expanding community farming across Scarborough.

The Scarborough Urban Farm Lab is MFRC’s newest initiative to build capacity for urban agriculture across the city’s east end. Based at Malvern Urban Farm, the Lab provides mentorship and hands-on training to residents and local organizations interested in starting their own farms.

The Farm Lab will:
-Launch new community farms in neighbourhoods like Morningside, West Hill, and Scarborough Village
-Grow 50,000 lbs of food annually
-Strengthen local food systems and resident leadership

Through this initiative, we support the next generation of community growers and ensure that more Scarborough families have access to food that is local, fresh, and culturally familiar.  
Download Flyer
Contact
Clarie Perttula
Urban Agriculture and Food Program Manager
cperttula@mfrc.org
Ikonik Icon

416-284-4184 ext 221

View Programs & Register
Email Us
Meet the Farmers