Government of Ontario Launches Local Food Champion Program

TORONTO –The government of Ontario is inviting everyone to celebrate Local Food Week from June 3-9. To kick off the week, the Ontario government has launched a new program to celebrate people and organizations across Ontario that promote local food.

“The Local Food Champion program is a celebration of our hardworking farmers, food processors and entrepreneurs who are committed to ensuring more local food is available for everyone in their community,” said Oxford MPP, Ernie Hardeman. “When we buy local food, we are making a choice to support Ontario, our communities and our economy. I encourage everyone to support our agriculture sector by choosing local food and to enjoy all the amazing produce grown right here in Ontario.”

The Local Food Champion program recognizes individuals, organizations and businesses who have demonstrated leadership in putting local food on the tables of the people of Ontario. By celebrating Local Food Week and recognizing our Local Food Champions, the Ontario government is demonstrating strong support of the province’s farmers and food processors, who produce more than 200 food and beverage products to feed our local communities and the world. Ontario’s food and beverage sector is an important part of our province as it employs one in eight Ontarians and contributes over $39 billion to the economy.

“Recognizing the great work of Local Food Champions helps to showcase businesses and products right here in our community,” said Hardeman. “It reminds us all that good things grow in Ontario.”

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Media inquiries please contact:

Ernie Hardeman, MPP Oxford
(519) 537-5222