Shopping infrastructure highlights food-choice differences in Beaches/East York vs. Scarborough

Some brands are absent from certain neighbourhoods

shopping plaza at the intersection of Eglinton and Kennedy in Scarborough — A strip of shops at a plaza in Scarborough at Kennedy & Eglinton intersection. (Photo by Matthew Stephens)

By Matthew Stephens
April 20, 2024

What do the locations of big-name grocery chains, independent businesses and fast-food enterprises tell us about the access to food, nutrition and coveted brands and products in Scarborough versus the East York/Beaches areas? One Toronto Observer reporter took a walk around those neighbourhoods to find out.

Small local grocers located along Danforth Avenue in East York. (Matthew Stephens/Toronto Observer)

Three of the five Walmart locations in Scarborough. There is one Walmart in East York, located inside Gerrard Square Shopping Centre (not shown). (Matthew Stephens/Toronto Observer)

Loblaws locations in the Beaches (top picture) and East York (bottom picture). There are no Loblaws stores in Scarborough. (Matthew Stephens/Toronto Observer)

Two Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen locations within a three-major-intersection radius along Kingston Road in Scarborough. (Matthew Stephens/Toronto Observer)

The Big Carrot natural food markets, located exclusively in the Beaches (top picture) and East York (bottom picture). (Matthew Stephens/Toronto Observer)

Two Mary Brown’s Chicken locations within a three major intersection radius along Ellesmere Road in Scarborough. (Matthew Stephens/Toronto Observer)

A sign at Morningside Crossing shopping plaza in Scarborough gives those looking for a healthy food option false hope; the Freshii restaurant no longer exists at the location. (Matthew Stephens/Toronto Observer)

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