Meat-Eating Locally and Ethically

Summer is predictably synonymous with barbecue dining in a city known as “Hogtown”. For carnivores interested in sustainability, and supporting regional meat producers, Toronto has several options where ethical, locally sourced quality meat products are offered.

Rowe Farms

With seven locations across the city, Rowe Farms gives Torontonians the opportunity to sample organic meat and other products that are GMO-free, preservative-free, and contain no antibiotics or hormones. First raising grass-fed cattle on their Guelph farm in 1972, this family business continues its passion for environmentally friendly farming practices today.

Healthy Butcher

This Queen Street West purveyor of “Extraordinary Meat” also sells Ontario and Quebec cheeses along with an assortment of artisanal fare. The Healthy Butcher is very clear about its goal of providing delicious, ethically raised meat that its customers can feel good about buying and eating. The shop only sources meat from animals raised humanely, fed a natural diet and free from drugs. Due to the COVID–19 pandemic, the butcher’s second location on Eglinton is temporarily closed.

The Friendly Butcher

From its Bedford Park location on Yonge, this genuinely “friendly” butcher shop offers meat that was grown and raised on family farms within 100 miles of Toronto. The butcher’s meat pies made in-house are a popular comfort food favourite among its neighbourhood customers.

Sanagan’s Meat Locker

A Kensington Market staple, many consider this full-service butcher shop to be the city’s best. Sanagan’s offers meat exclusively from animals raised responsibly, free from antibiotic-inoculation, growth hormones, and with access to plenty of roaming space and nutritious feed. Meat lovers have a melange of options curtesy of the butcher’s dry-aged beef, heritage pork, air-chilled chicken, Dorset lamb, game meats, and convenient, pre-made meals and sauces. Sanagan’s recently opened a second location in Gerrard India Bazaar, at the edge of the Upper Beaches.