Ontari-ari-ari-ooooo

One of the greatest hurdles for people who attempt to buy local is convenience. Driving 45 minutes out of your way to buy local blueberries is not always great time management - it is, however, always worth it for the flavour and quality.

Homegrown Ontario has now made it that much more convenient to identify local Ontario meat. This organization " is an alliance of Ontario Pork, the Ontario Veal Association and the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency". Research from Ipsos Reid clearly indicates that "Ontario consumers want to support their local farmers while purchasing fresh, quality meat" and this allows them to easily do this.

The website includes recipes, ways to identify cuts of meat and where to find vendors.

The Toronto Star provides more information as well.

You Are What You Eat

I believe in the Slow Food Movement (see sidebar for research by Anita Stewart). Because of this, I think that it is so important that each person tries to use ingredients that are grown close to home. Luckily, I live in Ontario, Canada where fabulous produce is available year round, thanks to the greenhouses and amazing farmers.

Foodland Ontario has come up with a list of availability for fruits and vegetables in Ontario throughout the year. Search the Internet to find out when fresh and local produce in available in your area too!

* If you are looking for recipes for this fabulous produce check out this blog: Seasonal Ontario Food