Food and Economics

To begin with, Toronto being the most populous city in Canada, has played the role of being a primary engine of the economy in this case. In the contemporary world, a global city is the one which has the capability to act as well as play the role of being world finance and trade flow centre. In this context, the question of what or how Toronto reflects globalization has been received with a very high complexity. This is given to the reason that Globalization is a complex subject described by various aspects of which Toronto is not an exception (Phillips, 2006, p.35-37). Basically, food as it relates to economics can be used as an indicator of globalization of the city of Toronto in the context of a globalizing world. 

Following this point, globalization has been closely associated with economic changes in relation to food whereby creations of food policies and development thereof have been made. In connection to this point, it is arguable that food as it relates to economy has experienced changes that when viewed from the point of view of world globalization, makes it clear that Toronto is a globalizing city. In Toronto, there has been a growing inclination towards a sustainable food system for the benefit of the health of the public.

According to Toronto Public Health Consultation Report (2010) the food that is fed on in Toronto comes into play due to complex systems of activities. In this sense, the activities involve the aspects of food production, distribution, marketing, consumption, and disposition and in the larger perspective the procession of the food. Several reasons have been pointed as to be the driving force of the food system development which involves food-related problems like hunger, poverty, diseases and preservation of the environment among others (p.3).

In this milieu, the Toronto Food Policy council comes into play of which it was created in 1990 with the sole aim of challenging the opinion that Hunger was a problem that came into being as a result of income along with the fact that Canadians were adequately nourished by the existing food system being challenged (Allen, 1993, p.161-162). It is meant to promote food production along with distribution systems which are fair, nutritious, and environmentally friendly. Actually, TFPC is geared towards making partnerships with businesses along with the business groups within the city to develop programs together with policies meant to promote food security. As such, the council contributes to fair accessibility to food, environmental health, and development of the community and in the larger perspective nutrition (Koc%u0326 &International Development Research Centre (Canada), 1999), p.Vii).

Arguably, food security and food policy development have been well established in Toronto and as such, Toronto's food system is one that matches a globalized city system even from the world's point of view. It is important to note that food in Toronto is the main and leading service and industrial employer. In relation to this point, this contributes to the economic growth of the city and thus globalization realized in terms of a developed economy and public health in this case. Basically, a sustainable food system has the capability to address the issues of health, environmental, social and economic aspects altogether.

It has been pointed out by research that there are many community agencies, NGOs, publications and university institutions who are well equipped in terms of thinking and taking actions in terms of food policies. There is also a well established network of community food programs for emergency food in Toronto city. Accordingly, food in Toronto is a building block for a green economy at the same time being an original solar and renewable industry (Toronto Public health consultation report, 2010, p.18). As a matter of fact, TFPC participates actively in the food and Hunger action committee. At the same time, Toronto has the world's first Youth food policy council which is being emulated internationally. In the same line of thought, Toronto makes use of highly mechanized modern and commercial food system that is the main supplier of supermarkets, dinner tables and restaurants among others (Toronto Public health consultation report, 2010). Modern technology in the production of food in Toronto has been employed with great success and thus this has contributed to the economic growth making it possible for Toronto to become a globalized city.

Besides, it is imperative to point out that Toronto's policy towards a sustainable food system has several factors being developed. As such, it prioritizes health and works towards its development. Furthermore, food in Toronto is portrayed as a strategy through which the city meets its goals. As well, all the neighborhood plans are made on the basis of food accessibility of the people along with a food pricing policy that favors healthy choices. Needless to say, the general food solutions in Toronto are as a result of a collaborative effort within as well as among governments together with civil society.

Poverty and unhealthy population is a contributing factor to a poor economy. Nonetheless, Toronto has made it possible for food to be a central point of Toronto's new green economy. In the same way, elimination of hunger, empowering of residents with food information and skills along with connectivity of the city and the countryside through food, has greatly contributed to a healthy nation. This has as a result led to a healthy economy necessary for globalization since a healthy nation is more productive, an aspect that builds an economy. Also, the city government of Toronto is rich in thoughts related to food system development. It has also been put forward that food and beverage processing is the driving force of the economy of Toronto.

Equally important, Toronto is equipped with a leadership role in food policy and thus Toronto Public health consultation report, 2010, p.18) (TPH) has a history of having its core activity as that one of addressing issues of food. In line with this, it has a main focus on food and nutrition programs, Nutrition Food Basket surveys, food and nutrition-based health campaigns of promotion and an aspect advocating for food safety programs and initiatives among others. More to this point, the viability of Toronto economy is embedded in local food and beverage industry. Accordingly, Toronto's annual multimillion dollar budget of purchasing, favors both local and sustainable choices of food (Toronto Public health, 2008, p.4). In the same line of thought, Toronto city food production well nourishes the economy by means of making it possible for the producers and distributors to access the available markets in the city. In combination with this point, food has been pointed as central to the economy of Toronto city owing to the fact that the city has a great commitment to food security. Subsequently, food security strengthens the food sector growth and development which in turn leads to economic growth.

Arguably, food is a contributing factor to the local economy of Torontians with many of billions being spent yearly on food. This is done by individuals, agencies and in the larger perspective by community organizations. There is a multiplier effect that is embedded in local expenditure of money. As a matter of fact, Toronto food production, distribution, processing, food service and retail are responsible for the provision of jobs to many Torontians (Toronto Public health, 2008, p.10). Following this point, local expenditure of money has a huge impact on the economy as well as the aspect of job creation. This contributes to the economic growth of Toronto and thus one can confidently state that Toronto is a globalizing city.

From a general point of view, Torontians take a small amount of food that is produced within the city and as such, the rest is meant for exports. Most of Ontario agricultural produce grows food for export with enough for domestic use, a characteristic of a globalizing city. Needless to say, Processing and manufacturing of food in Toronto contributes to the growth of the city's economy with over 500 food processing companies along with more than 50,000 workers being employed (Toronto Public health, 2008, p.12). Altogether, food and beverage processing industry is the second largest manufacturing sector in the region and thus it contributes so much to the economic growth necessary for a globalized city.  

Toronto has also been pointed out as the second largest food transportation and distribution centre hub in North America. It actually has the largest access to regional market in North America. It is also the largest wholesale market for fresh produce and third largest in North America (Toronto Public health, 2008, p.13). More to this, tens of thousands of Toronto population make their living out of food sales along with restaurants which represent different cultures of food.

In respect to this point, Toronto food has contributed to economic growth of the city which contributes largely to world finance and trade flow. A globalizing city is the one which is a world finance and trade flow centre; in this sense, Toronto is a globalizing city as it regards its food industry. This is given to the reason that its food policy development has contributed to economic growth leading to availability of finances. As well, food production, processing, distribution, marketing and retailing facilitated by the city contributes to the world trade  flow not forgetting its contribution as a fresh producer of vegetables and fruits in North America.