Ontario Celebrates Local Food Week
Ontario Launches Program Recognizing Local Food Champions
News.ontario.ca
June 4, 2019
Today, Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, kicked off Ontario's Local Food Week by celebrating the new Local Food Champions program. The Minister was joined by Mississauga -- Lakeshore MPP Rudy Cuzzetto and Lloyd Herridge from Herridge's Farm Fresh Market in Mississauga to recognize the outstanding contribution Herridges' has made to local food in Ontario.
"Local Food Week is a great way to celebrate all the good things grown, produced and processed in Ontario," said Minister Hardeman. "I want to encourage everyone to support our agriculture and food processing sector by choosing local and to enjoy all the amazing food grown and made right here in Ontario."
"I'm thrilled to help kick off Local Food Week in Mississauga, which was once the strawberry capital of Canada," said MPP Cuzzetto. "We're so fortunate to have an abundance of fresh and delicious local food available at Herridge's Farm Fresh Market and at our local outdoor farmer's markets."
"Our customers appreciate the fresh, healthy and local food choices we grow right here in Mississauga and source from Ontario farms," said Lloyd Herridge, the third--generation owner of Herridge's Farm Fresh Market. "Supporting Ontario agriculture and providing the best in local foods is what makes our market so special."
The new Local Food Champion program recognizes individuals, organizations and businesses who have demonstrated leadership in putting local food on Ontario family tables.
"The Local Food Champion program is a celebration of our hardworking farmers, food processors and entrepreneurs who are committed to ensuring more local food is available for everyone in their community," said Minister Hardeman, "When we buy local food, we are making a choice to support Ontario, our communities and our economy."
Ontario is a strong supporter of local food and is committed to the province's farmers and food processors, who produce more than 200 food and beverage products to feed our local communities and the world. The sector contributes over $38 billion to the local economy and employs 1 in 8 Ontarians.
Quick Facts
- Ontario is celebrating local food and beverages during Local Food Week June 3--9 2019.
- For more information on the Local Food Champion initiative, please contact your local MPP.
- For more than 40 years, Foodland Ontario has connected with families on how to recognize, prepare and enjoy locally grown foods.
