Food & Drink
Now people can enjoy their favourites without the drive.
Eat locally, Sudbury
Summer 2009 |
Advocates of the Eat Local movement say it is fun, challenging and delicious. (Update Dec. 7, 2009) This is Eat Local's holiday schedule: Wednesday, Dec.16 – 9am - 9pm
Consumers concerned about the quality and safety of their food, as well as worried about the carbon footprint eating strawberries in January leaves on the planet, are turning to the pages of a book called The 100-Mile Diet, A Year of Local Eating for inspiration.
In northern climates such as ours, it is hard to eat food grown or prepared within a 100-mile (160-kilometre) radius 12 months of the year, but there are plenty of folks who are trying to make it easier to eat a socially responsible diet that promotes local businesses and is healthier for the body and the environment.
The Eat Local Sudbury Co-operative opened a store-front operation late last fall after a successful test season at Market Square. The shop, located at 28 Durham St., behind Records on Wheels, sells a surprising array of products that are grown, raised or produced in Ontario, mostly within a 150-mile (240 kilometre) radius of Greater Sudbury in places such as Manitoulin Island, Thornloe, Verner and St. Charles.
There is an abundance of products including frozen fish and meats such as beef, pork, lamb, bison and venison.
Summer and fall will bring a rich harvest of fresh vegetables and fruits. Even in the winter and spring, there is local produce available such as potatoes from Don Poulin Potatoes, Azilda, and Valley Growers, Blezard Valley. There are organic frozen veggies available, as well as prepared items such as the jams and condiments containing local products.
In addition, there is locally produced honey, flour, maple syrup, cheese, milk, butter and deli meats, says co-ordinator Allison Muckle.
Sprouts (pea and sunflower sprouts), organically-grown at Heart and Soil Gardens in Wanup, Perogy Princess products, frozen cranberries from Bala, and Farquhar’s Dairy milk, ice cream and butter are sold at the co-operative.
Other products such as peanuts and peanut butter come from southern Ontario.
A distinct made-in-Sudbury product sold at the co-operative, as well as other locations in the city, is An Apple A Day dried apple chips. A 20-gram bag includes one dried red delicious apple (50 calories) and sells for $2. No sugar or preservatives are added.
In addition to food, made-in-Sudbury products such as Plain Jane Soap are available at the co-op. Terri Lepage and Rocsan Vaillancourt make all-natural and environmental soap using ingredients such as olive oil, honey and dried herbs (plainjanesoap@gmail.com).
In order to support the co-op, people can purchase a membership ($15 for individuals and $25 for families) Members receive a four percent discount on produce or goods and are allowed to vote at the annual general meeting in March. Eat Local Sudbury is governed by a board of directors.
The Eat Local Sudbury Co-operative is open Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 am to 6 pm, and Friday from 11 am to 9 pm. For more information, phone 521-6717, or visit www.eatlocalsudbury.com.
Thursday, Dec. 17 – 9am - 9pm
Friday, Dec. 18 – 9am - 9pm
Saturday, Dec.19 – 9am - 6pm
Wednesday, Dec. 23 – 9am - 9pm
Thursday, Dec. 24 – closed
Friday, Dec. 25 – closed
Saturday, Dec. 26 – closed
Wednesday, Dec.30 – noon - 6pm
Thursday, Dec. 31 – closed
Friday, Jan. 1 – closed
Saturday, Jan. 2 – 9am - 4pm
The store returns to normal hours Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010.
Around the corner and up the street at 106 Beech St., Northern Flavours opened about the same time as the food co-op. The store, operated by Gilles Simon, Colleen Burke-Pronk (CJ), and Nickel Chef Tom Reid (The butcher, the baker and the vinaigrette maker), sells foods made by independent producers in Northern Ontario.
Many people have driven to Warren to purchase CJ cakes and pies, breads and other specialties. Now people can enjoy their favourites without the drive.
Reid is promoting his unique Vinegar on the Rocks products as well as preparing a menu of tasty takeout lunches daily. Simon, a master butcher, offers a selection of cooked luncheon meats, deli meats, smoked rainbow trout and fresh cut red meat products.
Northern Flavours is open from Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, and Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. Drop by the store or place an order at 670-1001.
