Locally grown food awareness and access programs in Ontario, Canada

Although the trend towards locally grown food has led to a growth in the number of farmer's markets and other initiatives which serve to increase the consumption of locally grown food (such farm-to-table programs), it should be noted that buying and eating local isn't easy. In Ontario, it usually involves going out of your way, not being able to do your grocery shopping in one stop, having to shop during specific hours/days, and/or paying more. Additionally, consumers have grown accustomed to having certain produce available year round – a demand which currently cannot be met by the Ontario local food sector. This has likely led to a less than optimal growth of the local food market in Ontario. In fact, an Environics poll found that 91% of Ontarians would buy more locally grown food if it was more conveniently available. Public health units (PHUs) are often involved in the frontline work which better connects Ontarians with locally grown food. However, there is still much that can be done to improve the awareness and accessibility of locally grown foods in Ontario. Therefore, to enhance the efforts of PHUs, this report aims to collate and summarize the local food programs and food charters currently being managed by PHUs. Bringing these initiatives together in one document will enable public health professionals to more easily identify areas of improvement and collaboration that can enhance the services they provide. It will also afford PHUs the opportunity to learn from each other's successes and challenges. Results will be collated by March 2013.