Take Action!

Toward A Sustainable Local Food System

1. Choose Your Food

Eat more sustainably-grown, locally-produced foods and choose fairly-traded foods from around the world. Can, preserve, freeze, dry or root cellar our local bounty for enjoyment all year round.


2. Support Local Farmers/Food Businesses

Ask for sustainably-produced food at farmers’ markets, grocery stores and restaurants.  Become a member of a community supported agricultural (CSA) group.  Use the “Eating Close to Home” online directory at www.nfu.ca/on to find local food.

3. Grow Your Own

Eat really close to home! Plant beans on your balcony, greens in your front garden, tomatoes in your back 40, or sow with others in a community garden. Share your harvest.

4. Save Your Seeds

Whether you farm 200 acres or garden in a small city plot, save seeds from what you plant – this practice promotes self-sufficiency and preserves biodiversity. 

5. Look for the Logo

Our region has an Eat From Kingston’s Countryside local food logo to identify foods produced within 100 km of Kingston.  Look for it, ask for it, and if you’re a farmer, join the program.

6. Teach & Learn

Seek information about the benefits of local food system development and talk about what you learn with kids, friends, colleagues and family members. Farmers:  Research and implement more sustainable farming practices.

7. Change the Menu

Ask for local food options in schools, hospitals, workplaces, cafeterias and institutions – everywhere! If you farm or operate a food-based business, consider the advantages of shifting to local markets for supply and sales of food.

8. Seek Healthy Local Food for All

Learn how local food can be more accessible to all. Go to www.healthycommunities.ca and check out its Healthy Food, Healthy Community report. 

9. Advocate for Good Food Policy

Promote policies that support sustainable local food systems at the municipal, provincial and national levels. Engage politicians and friends.  Write letters to the editor.

10. Host a 100 km Potluck, Picnic or BBQ

Spread the word about sustainable, local, seasonal eating. Gather with friends and family to share a meal with as many ingredients as possible from within 100 km of where you live. Share recipes.