Toronto Rises Against Food Truck Bans

Americans, don't ever take for granted the convenience of a delicious falafel, taco, or waffle from a food truck again: our northern neighbors aren't so lucky. Toronto food trucks, which face unsupportive laws and restrictions, and Toronto residents have started a social media campaign to boost the city's street food culture.

Now, Toronto foodies can Tweet and write letters (via email) to their councillors to ask for a change in food truck policies. The "Tweet Your Councillor" wall makes it easy for foodies to get their voices heard, says the Toronto Street Food Project (TSFP). TSFP was founded by nine food truck owners, advocates, and public health officials. Says the web site: "Currently our by-laws cannot support a vibrant and diverse street food culture no matter how many entrepreneurs are standing ready."

After a wave of run-ins with Toronto police, street food vendors have finally had enough. One popular food truck, Food Cabbie, was told to pack up by the end of March because it was violating a regulation that states trucks can't be parked for more than 10 minutes if serving food. (The truck received permission from the city to be parked at their current location back in August.) Co-manager Helen Antonopoulos began an online petition to fight back against the regulation. The petition asks that food trucks can be parked on private property with a landlord's consent.