Jonathan Forbes grew up gathering wild foods with his mother in and around Toronto, and over time he developed an astonishingly rich knowledge of wild edibles from all across the country. In 1998, he founded Forbes Wild Foods “with the hope that it would engage people and their imaginations to value the natural world and to take whatever steps they can to cherish it and protect it.” 

Forbes Wild Foods works with an extensive network of foragers from coast to coast, and the company’s insistence on sustainable harvesting, fair trade relationships, and clean sources sets the bar for Canadian wild foods.

At the market, long-time associate Seth Goering offers dried wild mushrooms, wild rice, maple sugar, preserved wild foods, jams, mustards, chestnut flour, and more year-round. Depending on the season, you’ll find wild leeks, fresh mushrooms, nuts, and even Ontario pawpaws on the table. Feel free to ask questions; Seth will be happy to introduce you to the remarkable flavours and culinary possibilities offered by wild foods.

MARCH 2020 ANNOUNCEMENT:

Because of the COVID-19 Pandemic Forbes Wild Foods will be reducing hours and will be unable to reach some customers at farmers markets that are closing. However we intend to remain open part time 10am-2pm Monday to Friday to fulfill internet orders and keep our wholesale customers supplied. We will also be reducing our minimum purchase for delivery to local customers so that people unable to get to markets can choose to stock up at home. Any purchase of $75 or more will get free delivery within Toronto proper ( Vic Park to Keele south of Lawrence ); additionally we will be sending some packages by mail that we would otherwise be delivering to avoid unnecessary contact.
We hope that everyone remains safe and that life returns to normal soon.

416-927-9106
forbes@wildfoods.ca