Photo by B. Shakyaver
When it comes to farm fresh food, the biggest hurtle is getting that product into the hands of consumers – and the future, is online.
Chris Spaleta, the Executive Director of Eat Local Huron, is working to connect farms to tables across the county. His organization, a nonprofit venture, provides a digital platform for consumers to order fresh, locally grown produce directly from farmers.
Customers can conveniently place orders online, and at the end of the week, the farmers deliver the produce to Eat Local Huron’s warehouse. From there, the organization packs and delivers the orders to various locations across Huron County.
Spaleta on one of their first deliveries in August 2021
The inspiration for founding Eat Local Huron came from a recognition of the exceptional quality of food being produced in Huron County. With many of his friends contributing to this bounty, Spaleta noticed the inconvenience of having to travel from farm to farm to access it. He envisioned a single, centralized platform where everyone could easily access locally produced food year-round, irrespective of the season. This vision became a reality, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when farmer’s markets were shut down, and the demand for fresh, local produce increased. Through a grant, they were able to launch this program.
Spaleta believes that – as anyone that grew up with a small garden in their backyard can attest – the quality of locally grown good makes a world of difference.
Spaleta is enthusiastic about the future of food. He sees a direct connection between ingredients, consumers, and farmers as the ideal future.
You can find out more about Eat Local Huron by visiting eatlocalhuron.ca
Listen to the full interview with Chris Spaleta of Eat Local Huron below:
Written by: B. Shakyaver