A week of celebrating fresh, healthy, and local Canadian food is here! Local Food Week is a time to recognize the hardworking farmers who grow the food we enjoy every day. It also encourages us to think about the impact of our choices as consumers. By supporting Ontario and Canadian farmers, we not only enjoy high-quality, nutritious food, but we also help build a stronger economy and preserve valuable farmland.
With the cost of food rising and more people becoming aware of the energy and resources needed to grow and transport it, now is the perfect time to focus on local options. Supporting local food systems does not only mean going to farmers’ markets, though those are an excellent starting point. It also involves paying attention to how we shop and being more mindful about where our food comes from.
For instance, when shopping at grocery stores, take a moment to check the country of origin on produce labels. Choosing fruits and vegetables grown in Ontario reduces the environmental footprint caused by long-distance shipping and supports our local growers and agri-food workers. In addition to fresh produce, many packaged foods like cereals, dairy products, or baked goods are made in Canada or produced by Canadian-owned companies. Looking for that “Product of Canada” label is an easy but meaningful step toward eating more locally.
Click here to see more...