Local Food Home Residents Local Food The Municipality of Huron Shores has a strong agricultural background and farming heritage. Many local food producers sell their products at farmers’ markets held within the Municipality. Check out these sources: Farmer’s Market every Saturday at the Historic Cordukes/Weber 12-Sided Barn in Sowerby, from June to September CSA Desbarats – seasonal produce box subscriptions and more In addition, many food producers offer farm gate sales and pick your own options. Huron Shores food producers and residents are also encouraged to attend farmers’ markets in neighboring communities and Sault Ste. Marie. Information respecting Algoma farms, produce and area farmers’ markets may be found on the Algoma Food Network website; for local food producers please see the Agricultural category of the Business Directory. Available seasonal produce, recipes and much more can be found by visiting the Foodland Ontario website. Be sure to check out our event calendar for upcoming markets! The following information is taken from the Local Food Page on the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food website: Ontario is a strong supporter of local food. Since 2003, the province has invested more than $116 million in initiatives and projects that help promote and celebrate the good things that are grown, harvested and made in Ontario. Local Food Act, 2013 The Legislative Assembly of Ontario recently passed Bill 36, Local Food Act, 2013. The Act fits into the Ministry’s broader local food strategy. The purposes of the Local Food Act, 2013, are to foster successful and resilient local food economies and systems in Ontario, help increase awareness of local food in Ontario and develop new markets for local food. The new legislation – the first of its kind in Canada – will help build Ontario’s economy, create more jobs and expand the agri-food sector, by making more local food available in markets, schools, cafeterias, grocery stores and restaurants throughout the province. The Act will also: Help increase access to local food, improve food literacy in respect of local food, and encourage increased use of local food, by requiring the Minister to establish aspirational local food goals and targets in consultation with organizations that have an interest. Proclaim a Local Food Week that will take place annually, beginning the first Monday in June. Bill 36 also amended the Taxation Act, 2007 to create a non-refundable tax credit of 25 per cent for farmers who donate their agricultural products to eligible community food programs such as food banks. Local Food Fund The Local Food Fund is another key component of the strategy and is designed to support innovative local food projects that celebrate local food, and help create jobs and economic growth in Ontario. The Fund supports projects in four categories: Regional and Local Food Networks Enhanced Technologies, Capacity and/or Minor Capital Research and Best Practices Education, Marketing and Outreach Related Links Farmers’ markets in Ontario: For more information about shopping local, please visit www.harvestontario.com and www.farmersmarketsontario.com Selling Low Risk Food The Ministry of Health has published a guide to help such entrepreneurs take the recommended steps to succeed, in a food-safe way, in their homemade food business efforts. Fruits and Vegetables in season: Harvest Ontario’s “What’s In Season” and Foodland Ontario’s “Availability Guide” provide information on what fruits and vegetables are available.