Choosing food from Ontario is as easy as knowing where to look for it!
Availability
You can also find out what is in season at Foodland Ontario so you know what you can expect to find at the market in any given month.
Farmers' Markets
Farmers' markets are a great way to get to know the farmers in your community. They also offer the freshest produce around, since many items are picked within 24 hours of the market (sometimes you can still see the dew on your corn!). Check out the farmers markets in your area by visiting Farmers' Markets Ontario online.
Farm Markets
If you are looking for a more intimate, on-farm experience, a family trip to a local farm is a great idea. Many farms have different features depending on the season (berry picking, corn mazes and pumpkin patches are common and make fun excursions). Don’t know what’s in your area or want to explore a new region? Try visiting the Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association for a farm near you.
Pick Your Own Farms
Harvest Ontario also offers a comprehensive list of pick-your-own farms across the province. For the freshest Ontario pork, veal, lamb and turkey, the "Participating Retailers" database at Homegrown Ontario lists local providers of quality meat.
Retail
At any time during the year, when you pop out to the grocery store, it is equally important to check the place of origin of your food. Sometimes it’s easy to assume food comes from a certain area but it has actually been imported. Even in June when Ontario strawberries are ripe for picking, some grocery stores might still sell California strawberries, so look for where the food was grown. Local Food Plus supports sustainable agriculture and has a list of its own certified local farmers and processors, which is available online for consumers.