Toronto Public Health

Category
Healthy Communities
About This Project

Mehak, Kelly prepared an environmental scan to identify ways in which Toronto supermarkets can act as settings to promote and sell healthier food options. The project included a current profile of Toronto’s mid-to-large supermarkets, both generally and in relation to City socio-demographic variables; current consumer demand/interest in healthier food options in grocery stores; analyses of factors related to the capacity of supermarkets to operate as healthier foods environments including business climate, policy climate and marketing. Secondary source analysis was supplemented by interviews with representatives of supermarket corporations with stores in Toronto. Recommendations were developed regarding specific areas in which Toronto Public Health might work in partnership with supermarkets to improve the promotion and sale of healthier food options in grocery stores.