You deserve it.

How can you get to local food, or how can you make it come to you? Don't worry, I can help.

In Guelph, we have a number of ways to connect yourself with the local bounty:

Garden Fresh Box is a program out of the Guelph Community Health Centre. Anyone can sign up and for $15 or $20 you can pick up a box every month, filled with locally grown, seasonal produce. They even include a recipe sheet for ideas!

I've already chatted about the Guelph Farmer's Market  (Saturdays 7am to 12pm) and St. Jacob's Market (Thursdays and Saturdays 7am to 3:30pm). Bring extra money.

Next spring, you can join a community supported agriculture initiative (CSA) like the one offered by Ignatius Farms just north of Guelph. They own the land, you reap the benefits! This one is more costly ($425 for a small plot and $695 for a large one) but the plot is yours for the entire 20 week growing period. If you spend more than $20 on produce each week at the store, this might be right for you.

If you are in the mood for a one-off, local meal, make a reservation at Borealis Grille or The Woolwich Arrow

In Niagara, my other home:

Enjoy a plate from Pan Cafe or Treadwell. Many of the wineries across the Niagara region showcase local food as well. It's well worth it. Trust me.

Our Farmer's Market is open THREE days a week; Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 6am to 3pm. BOOM! (I'm a bit homesick these days).

The Niagara Local Food Co-op really turns my crank. It's similar to the Garden Fresh Box program, only you order as you wish online and you can choose what items you'd like to pick up. Brace yourself, there's not only produce, but meats, nuts, herbs and maple butter tarts! You'd better believe I'm getting in on this when I get back in town.

So there are a number of options for access to local food, from growing it yourself to having it prepped and delivered right to your table. No more excuses, be aware of your surroundings and dig in.
:)