Five local businesses and one high school shared the honour of being proclaimed a Taste Real Local Food Champion by Guelph Wellington Local Food last month.
The award winners were announced at a ceremony during the 4th annual Source it Here event at St. Ignatius’s Loyola House.
Taste Real Local Food Champion awards recognize innovation, excellence and commitment to the local food economy in Guelph and Wellington County.
To be considered for an award, nominees had to demonstrate consistent and progressive use or provision of all types of local food.
The award categories recognized different sectors of the food chain that cover production, distribution and consumption.
The award categories in 2012 were: broader public sector institution, restaurant, caterer, farmer, retailer and distributor.
This year’s 2012 Taste Real Local Food Champions were:
– broader public sector institution: The Food School, Centre Wellington District High School (CWDHS);
– restaurant: Artisinale;
– caterer: South Street Café Catering;
– farmer: Thatcher Farms;
– retailer: Frabert’s Fresh Food; and
– distributor: Greenliner Produce.
“Acknowledging the people in the industry, and acknowledging us, as farmers, it’s amazing,” said Dana Thatcher, of Thatcher Farms in Guelph-Eramosa. “We love what we do, so for people to recognize it, is wonderful. Putting good food on people’s tables means the world to me.”
For Chris Jess, teacher and director of the CWDHS Food School, the award encourages his program.
“It means we’re on the right track, that we’re doing good things with the Food School, the cafe, catering and retail sales we’re running all with the local food we’re acquiring for our programs,” Jess said.
“This is what distinguishes us a little bit, because it makes our program unique.”
Jackie Fraser, co-owner of Fraberts Fresh Food, said, “We are thrilled and honoured to receive this award from our local food peers.
“We are so fortunate to have wonderful, innovative farmers and food processors right here in Wellington County. This healthy and thriving local food community, right at our doorstep, makes our job easy.”
Guelph-Wellington Local Food’s mandate is to promote the procurement of local food by citizens and businesses.
