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There is considerable information available about local food issues, but it can be very confusing and difficult to find.
These actions try to educate and inform the community about local foods while promoting Niagara products.
Educate consumers about local food products - how to find, grow or prepare them and where to purchase.
General information for consumers may assist and explain the basics about local food such as what to look for when purchasing or picking, the various symbols used to designate local, how to prepare items with recipes, or how to grow them.
Educate future consumers through school programs.
Educating the young on local food may have many benefits, such as introducing farming as a future career choice, explaining where food comes from, learning how to make healthy food choices including local foods and discovering the business of production.
Research, compile and provide information on social and physical health benefits of local food.
Health is increasingly becoming a concern of the community, be it the cleanliness of our environment, or the nutritional quality and safety of the food we eat. Having a centralized location for information on the health benefits of choosing local food may help consumers make choices as to how they spend their food dollars. Included within this topic should be references to local food security.
Educate producers about the changing needs/desires of the market, and other means and methods of farming.
According to information expressed by stakeholders, unless they are a large operation, producers are often too busy to also act as processors, distributors and marketers of their product. By providing information and educational opportunities for producers they can focus on their products, change practices, or learn efficiencies that will assist in their productivity or financial position.
Educate and offer opportunities for future producers through training, apprenticeships, and incentives.
Fewer young people are getting into food production. Often there is not an opportunity for them to learn, or it is not thought of as a satisfying and fulfilling career move. With help, these preconceived ideas can change and opportunities will be created.
Coordinate and promote local food-related festivals and events.
Many festivals and events featuring local food are planned in Niagara each year, yet respondents expressed concern there was little coordination or cross-promotion between them. By working together, all festivals and events could be more successful.
Create a comprehensive marketing campaign surrounding the promotion of Niagara local food products. The target audience would be both within and outside Niagara.
Respondents suggested that Niagara products lack a definable iage, logo or slogan to allow consumers to know and understand a Niagara product from elsewhere. Having this might promote a distinctive Niagara brand renowned for quality and taste. To be successful, however, it will be important to coordinate
with existing branding strategies to expand reach while marketing Niagara products.
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If you would like to get involved in the action plan or take on one of the tasks outlined in the plan, contact us at localfood.