Ontario Local Food Week kicks off on Monday June 1 across the province of Ontario. Ontario Local Food Week is a celebration of the variety of delicious and nutritious foods that are locally grown in communities across Ontario.
In 2013 the Local Food Act was passed, the purpose of this act; to foster successful and resilient local food systems in Ontario, to increase awareness of local food in Ontario, and to encourage the development of new markets for local food. The act was designed to help build Ontario’s economy and create more jobs by making more local food available in markets, schools, cafeterias, grocery stores and restaurants throughout the province.
To further the purpose of the Local Food Act, Local Food Week was created to help; improve food literacy in respect to food grown within Ontario, encourage the use of food grown locally, and increase access to local food. Starting the first Monday in June, Ontario will showcase the variety of foods we have that are homegrown; fresh cheeses and meats, fruits, vegetables, eggs, maple syrup and more.
During cold winter months a lot of our food comes from countries with warmer climates. Some local foods are available year round but summer months greatly increase our options and availability. So why not kick off the summer season by educating Ontarians on locally grown foods and the benefits they give you, your family and your community. Local foods are not only fresher but they taste better, they help your local economy and they help create more jobs.
There are so many great reasons to visit a local farm or farmers’ market and eat locally grown food:
- Be a part of the community. If you shop at local farms or Farmers’ Markets you are supporting local farms that feed your community. It is also a social opportunity where you can run into or meet other community members.
- Educational. You have the opportunity to learn about local foods, how they are grown, how they are produced and meet the people who produce them.
- Fresh and delicious. Buying foods at the local farms or Farmers’ Markets ensures your food will be fresher and taste better.
- Helps the environment. Eating locally saves vast amounts of packaging waste and energy required to ship food around the world.
To find a Farmers’ Market in your area click here: https://www.farmersmarketsontario.com/
To find a farm close to home click here: www.ontariofarmfresh.com/locator/