Go loco for local- A Manitoba local food shopping guide
We are making a pledge to buy local, in fact we already found a source for our eggs from a delightful couple on highway 14 just west of the 30. They sell regular sized eggs and peewee eggs in the spring and late summer as well. To reduce our carbon footprint we have also started our seeds for the garden, this will be our third year trying to garden. Our first few years have shown some results but we would really like some volume this time, if that happens it would be a 'victory garden' indeed. We have 2 apple trees that will be picked, eaten, shared and made into buckets and buckets of apple sauce.
Buying local has several benefits; it supports local economies, helps conserve local farmlands and wildlife habitats and reduces the environmental costs of long distance food transport. Not only that but local produce will be fresher and less likely to be sprayed with chemicals designed to prevent mould and fungus growth. If you want some more reasons to buy local here are 10 reasons to buy local.
Where to buy local food: a Manitoba Guide.
Please comment with your favourite market, farm or product name and don't forget to mention your city and province.
Manitoba
Tall Grass Prairie Bread
Makes bread and lots more using Manitoba products.
Manitoba Harvest - Hemp Foods and Oils
Hemp seed oil, shelled hemp seed, hemp seed butter and protein powder. Manitoba hemp is grown without herbicides, pesticides and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).
Eatit.ca - Canada's online organic store, that delivers!
Eatit.ca offers a wide selection of Manitoba made products that includes various flour, eggs, bison meat, maple syrup, honey, steel cut oats, milk (no hormones or antibiotics!) and more.
Organza - Natural and Organc Market
A super store of natural and organic products, you can find a great selection including local grass fed beef. Sign up for their newsletter to keep on top of their upcoming seasonal products.
Crampton's Market
This is my favourite seasonal ‘eat local' food market. They work with local farmers and blog about upcoming deliveries. Oh and the baking is to die for! Currently they have local hydroponic basil, hothouse cucumbers, hothouse tomatoes and hothouse cherry tomatoes as well as local wild fiddleheads and wild morrel mushrooms.
St Norbert Farmer’s Market
The Humdinger of farmers markets where you can not only find local artisans and crafters but a one stop produce dream. Growers from all over Manitoba offer you a selection of from pumpkins, potatoes, beets, dill, cilantro, cabbage, melons, blueberries, strawberries, broccoli, and so much more, here is the harvest schedule.
Prairie Fruit Growers Association
Find U-Pick strawberries, raspberries, Saskatoon berries, currents, pin cherries and more from the members of this Association.
Organic Producers Association of Manitoba
Local grocers carry New Bothwell Cheese, Loveday Mushrooms, and Peak of the Market produce, all of which is Manitoban.
Don't forget to keep your eyes peeled on the highways during your summer travels as many farms have stands in their yards and towns have daily or weekend farmers market . Buying local is easy and affordable. Are you going to give ot a try?
Image sources: Tall Grass Prairie Bread Company, Jeanette Greaves flickr
