Where to Buy Fresh, Local, Real Food in Southwestern Ontario
In my efforts to feed my body the freshest, most natural ingredients, I have consequently begun to eat more local foods. It's amazing how little natural and "real" food there is at the local supermarkets. Most of the choices we are given are highly processed to the point that they are no longer "food," but "food-like substances" as Michael Pollan writes in his book In Defense of Food. Even the produce, meat, and dairy isles come with worry of pesticide use, genetic modification, or harmful additives.
Now, I'm not turning into such a puritan about eating that I will never step foot in another grocery store again. You can still make good choices while shopping at your favourite one-stop supermarket. However, I am learning the value of shopping locally. This means visiting farmers' markets, and family-run farms.
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I've decided to start compiling a list of all the local sources I can find for real, fresh, quality foods, including everything from produce, to meats, cheeses, dairy, sweetners, and whatever else I can find. I apologize to any readers who are not from my area, but if you happen to live in or find yourself in Southwestern Ontario, take a look at some of these places.
The Links:
Foodland Ontario - Look for their symbol when shopping. A great website to get started with buying local.
Heeman's - Garden centre, nursery and fresh berries (including u-pick strawberries) (Thorndale)
Kustermans Family Farm - Fresh Blueberries (u-pick) and other fresh produce (Mount Brydges)
Maple View Driving Range - Yes, it's a driving range, but they also sell farm fresh eggs (Thorndale)
Clovermead - Beekeeping and honey shop (Aylmer)
Covent Garden Market - London, Ontario's downtown farmer's market. Lots of fresh, local fare (London)
Trail's End Market - another farmer's market, lots of variety. (Thorndale)
Apple Land - Great place for fresh apples and apple products. (Thorndale)
Harmony Organic - Organic dairy. Use the search engine on their website to find out where to buy their products. (Kincardine)
London Farmer's and Artisans' Market - Lots of fresh, local produce, and homemade goodies. (London)
Heeman's - Garden centre, nursery and fresh berries (including u-pick strawberries) (Thorndale)
Kustermans Family Farm - Fresh Blueberries (u-pick) and other fresh produce (Mount Brydges)
Maple View Driving Range - Yes, it's a driving range, but they also sell farm fresh eggs (Thorndale)
Clovermead - Beekeeping and honey shop (Aylmer)
Covent Garden Market - London, Ontario's downtown farmer's market. Lots of fresh, local fare (London)
Trail's End Market - another farmer's market, lots of variety. (Thorndale)
Apple Land - Great place for fresh apples and apple products. (Thorndale)
Harmony Organic - Organic dairy. Use the search engine on their website to find out where to buy their products. (Kincardine)
London Farmer's and Artisans' Market - Lots of fresh, local produce, and homemade goodies. (London)
**I will keep updating as I discover new sources!**