Sustain Ontario » Ontario food

The future of food

Kyle L. McGregor — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 15:07:03 +0000

Farmers, retailers and restaurants join the cause

Article from The Hamilton Spectator featuring Lori Stahlbrand of Local Food Plus, Member of Sustain Ontario

Lori Stahlbrand’s energy and optimism outshine the gloom of statistics she is determined to change. The hurdles of disappearing farmland, peak oil, and the disenfranchisement of farmers seem undaunting after a conversation with the creator of Local Food Plus.

“We’re run off of our feet with interest and inquiries,” she says. “It really buoys you up.”

The nonprofit organization, based in Toronto, works as a kind of matchmaker, helping to establish relationships between farmers and the institutions, food retailers and restaurants nearby that want to support them. Local Food Plus sets standards for everything from animal welfare, labour practices, soil and water conservation to the distance that the food has to travel from field to plate.

Close to 200 farmers have signed on since the organization began five years ago, along with about 80 food outlets and the University of Toronto’s St. George campus.

“The town of Markham was the first municipality to be certified,” says Stahlbrand. “They felt very strongly that just looking at local food is not enough.”

Continue reading the full article on The Hamilton Spectator’s website: click here.

Sustain Ontario in the news

Lauren Baker — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:03:30 +0000

On May 20th I visited the Muskoka region to speak with groups interested in food and agriculture issues. The meeting was hosted by Muskoka Community Co-operatives and Savour Muskoka, with representatives from a youth training program, the Rosseau Farmers’ Market and the Hands: The Family Help Network. Here is an article that appeared in the Bracebridge Examiner on May 27.

New organization promotes healthy, local food for everyone.

Ontario-Grown Food on the Public Plate

Lauren Baker — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 17:15:03 +0000

Press release

The McGuinty government is investing $24 million over three years to develop the logistics to get more Ontario-grown food into the province’s schools, hospitals, food service companies and other institutions. This will help Ontario farmers market and sell their products to more consumers.

Premier of Ontario – News Release – More Ontario-Grown Food In Schools, Hospitals.

CBC article