On August 5th, Canadians come together to celebrate Food Day Canada, an event that highlights the rich tapestry of foods grown, raised, and produced in the Great White North.
Among the many reasons to rejoice on this special day, one of the most delightful is the abundance of fresh and flavorful fruits and vegetables that grace Ontario’s rural roadsides, beckoning locals and visitors alike to savor the vibrant tastes of the season.
At the heart of Food Day Canada lies a shared understanding that the foods we choose to enjoy hold a significant place in our cultural identity and our connection to the land.
“The best way to preserve farmland is to eat local,” says Peggy Brekveld, President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. “Making foods grown and raised in Canada an integral part of the menu ensures a stable, consistent and reliable market for Canadian farmers, which in turn ensures arable farmland remains in agricultural production and is not paved over.”
Fresh fruits and vegetables also offer a wealth of essential nutrients vital to our well-being. However, when food travels great distances before reaching our plates, it inevitably loses some of its nutritional value. In contrast, the shorter time and distance between harvest and consumption of local produce ensure that we enjoy the fullest flavors and reap the most nutritional benefits.
Long-distance transportation also significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change.
Moreover, supporting the agri-food sector by choosing local has a direct and tangible impact on our economy. In Ontario alone, this sector is a powerful driver of economic activity, employing over 860,000 individuals, representing more than 10% of the province’s workforce, and contributing a staggering $47.3 billion to the GDP.
The current season boasts an exquisite selection of sweet fruits such as cherries, blueberries, and apricots, alongside an abundance of staple vegetables like corn, carrots, cucumbers, and peppers. Equally enticing are Ontario’s meats, poultry, farm-fresh eggs, and dairy products, always available to delight discerning palates.
To uncover the treasure trove of local produce, eager food enthusiasts can explore resources such as farmersmarketsontario.com and fooddaycanada.ca, which provide updated lists of in-season products available for consumption.
Written by: B. Shakyaver