Ontario releases 2020 Local Food Report
Posted: June 3, 2020
Categories: Food in the News / GoodFoodBites
The Ontario government has released 2020’s Local Food Report, Ontario Spirit – A Celebration of Local Food Collaboration, celebrating those in the agri-food and beverage sector who have been working tirelessly to ensure the province’s food supply chain remains strong during the COVID-19 outbreak.
“Ontario’s agri-food supply chain is one of the strongest in the world and COVID-19 has just reinforced that fact,” said Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “The commitment shown by our farmers, food processors, grocery store workers, truck drivers, restaurateurs, and everyone across the agri-food sector during the COVID-19 outbreak is inspiring.”
The news release shares that highlights in the report include:
- Breweries and distilleries adapting their production facilities so they can produce hand sanitizer to help address the supply shortage;
- Organizations promoting local food literacy through online resources, virtual experiences and recipes that focus on locally-sourced ingredients;
- Food banks, industry partners and local communities working together to create and distribute emergency food boxes to those in need;
- Local public health units and agencies, along with industry and community food organizations, collaborating to offer weekly meal packages to families in place of school food programs that aren’t currently operating.
As stated in the Minister’s message, Ontario’s agri-food system has a long history as an economic driver and contributes $47.7 billion to the provincial economy while supporting 837,100 jobs.
View the 2020 Local Food Report online here.