Celebrating Ontario's Local Food Champions

Ontario’s food story is written by passionate entrepreneurs, dedicated farmers, and innovative businesses who believe in the power of local. With support from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agri-business (OMAFA), the Local Food Champions initiative—launched in partnership with the Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance (GHFFA), a non-profit organization, principal investigators Dr. Sara Epp and rural planning and development student Devanshi Sharma - is shining a spotlight on the people and organizations strengthening our connection to food grown and made close to home.

At the heart of this effort are inspiring leaders like Chef Nick Benninger and Riverside Food Ltd. Chef Benninger has built his career around creating vibrant dining experiences rooted in fresh, locally sourced ingredients. His work not only showcases Ontario’s diverse harvest but also reminds us of the importance of supporting the growers and producers behind every meal.

Similarly, Riverside Food Ltd. has become a trusted link in the local food chain. By working directly with farmers and food producers, the company ensures that high-quality local products make their way into homes, restaurants, and markets across the province. Their commitment demonstrates how businesses can grow while keeping community and sustainability at the forefront.

By profiling champions like these from across Ontario, this project is encouraging all Ontarians to celebrate and support local food. Together, these stories highlight the strength, creativity, and resilience of Ontario’s agri-food community. For more interesting stories like these check out GHFFA website, Linkedin and Facebook. More information about the broader study can be found on Dr. Epp’s website.