National Campus Food Coalition

Regenesis York UM! Market

STATUS: ACTIVE

SOCIAL: @regenesisyork

https://www.facebook.com/Regenesisyorkumarket

WEBSITE: https://regenesis.eco/en/chapters/york-university-keele

UNIVERSITY: York University

ADDRESS:
Keele Campus, 349 York Lanes

CONTACT:

info@regenesis.eco

ABOUT THE PROGRAM:

Regenesis York operates a weekly farmers’ market and seed library that brings local vendors to the York University campus every Wednesday.

They also maintain a free store that provides students with access to kitchen appliances, clothing, accessories, jackets, shoes, and other essential items at no cost.

In addition, they operate a bike centre offers volunteer opportunities and provides discounted bicycles for both volunteers and students.

SERVICES:
  • Food bank or community pantry
  • UM! Market (weekly campus farmers’ market)
  • Affordable fresh produce access (often at-cost pricing)
  • Support for local vendors and student entrepreneurs
  • Seed Library (free seeds + growing education)
  • Food justice programming and workshops
  • Sustainability and environmental education initiatives
TIMELINE:
  • 2007–2009 – Regenesis founded as a student-led environmental organization in Toronto
  • Late 2000s–2010s – Expansion to multiple campuses including York University
  • 2010s – Launch and growth of food justice initiatives, including campus markets
  • 2010s–present – YUM! Market operates as a recurring student-led market at York
  • 2022–present – Continued market programming and partnerships (e.g., FoodShare)
GET INVOLVED:
  • Help run the YUM! Market (set-up, vendor support, outreach)
  • Support food justice and sustainability events
  • Assist with programs like the Seed Library
KEY CHALLENGES:
  • One challenge has been maintaining steady vendor participation throughout the academic year, especially during exam periods or colder months. We’ve also had to navigate fluctuating produce prices and supply issues, which can affect affordability and consistency.
  • Reliance on student turnover and volunteer capacity
  • Navigating space and logistics on a large campus
  • Balancing market operations vs. broader advocacy work
KEY SUCCESSES:
  • “I’m proud that we’ve built a consistent weekly farmers’ market that brings affordable produce and local vendors to students. we’ve expanded our free store inventory so students can access essential items without cost, and we’ve grown volunteer engagement through the bike centre and market operations.”
  • “Focus on strong relationships with local vendors and suppliers, keep prices student-friendly, and use clear, consistent marketing. build a reliable volunteer base, create predictable weekly routines, and collect feedback so you can adjust your offerings to what students actually need.”
  • Supported BIPOC vendors and small-scale producers
  • Built strong partnerships with organizations like FoodShare
  • Created a visible, community-centered food hub on campus
NEWS ARTICLES

Celebrating Community-Led Markets Across Toronto

VIDEOS: