Food Independence in Perth-Wellington
On the positive side, everything is up for reassessment. A crisis is a time when we can transform our systems, and we’re up to the task. We’re thinking more about our neighbours. We’re planting gardens. We’re changing our ways. Things just might work out for the better.
The lists below have been compiled to support and strengthen food independence in Perth-Wellington Riding. We've found these resources by our own research and through suggestions sent in by readers of our monthly newsletter, and we believe them to be useful, but we can't vouch for the businesses themselves. If you have information to add, please let us know, using the contact button provided on each page.
At the gate sales, farmers' markets, and
you-pick farms
and Food Co-ops
Farm-to-table and other delivery serives
Farmgate, You-Pick, and Farmers' Markets
Perth County has developed an online farmgate map that contains many of the farms and farm stores in the southern end of the riding. Very useful.
McCully’s Hill Farm, St. Marys
Although they don’t grow a lot of what they sell, they do sell produce from farms in the Stratford area. They also do a lot of stuff for the kids, like their sugar bush tours in March. The store is between Stratford and St. Mary’s, on Perth Line 9.
Birch Creek Strawberry farm. Sales and you-pick. 2178 Road 120 St. Marys, Ontario. (519) 476-8020
Lynn River Farm, Stratford
Although they don’t claim their produce is organic, this farm uses organic seeds and practices non-chemical crop management. No antibiotics are used in their meats. They also have a programme that lets you sign up for weekly vegetable pick ups. Like many Ontario farms, Lynn River does a lot of innovative things, like their huge table setting (25), available for special occasions. On Vivian Road (Line 37), between Stratford and Shakespeare.
Monforte in Stratford. Fine cheeses. Personal orders taken on their Door-to-Door Hotline (519) 301-0198
Thomas Brothers Farm Market is not in our riding. It's about an hour away, in St. Thomas, but has huge fields and a wide variety of you-pick fruits and vegetables, so it's worth your time to go -- perhaps ride-share and get a carful of things to freeze and can. Call first, to be sure of times and availability.
Walch Family Strawberries. Sales and you-pick. Road 119 # 3557 Stratford, Ontario. (519) 272-1423
FARMERS' MARKETS
Listowel Farmers' Market. Not sure of their hours during Covid. Anyone know?
Minto Farmers' Market A fun market, craft stalls as well as the usual produce. Only local vendors. Saturdays, 9am - noon until September 26. At the Railway Museum in Palmerston.
Mount Forest - Wellilngton North Farmers' Market 2In front of the Victory Community Centre. For the 2020 season it will be held Saturdays from June 20 - Sept 25, 8:30 - 12 pm. Produce, jams & jellies, crafts.
St. Marys Equal Access Food Market - Meets the third Thursday of every month, at the Friendship Centre from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm; fresh fruit, vegetables and meat at wholesale prices. They have had to close it for Covid, but are hoping to open it in July. We'll keep you posted.
Stratford Farmers' Market
Many good things at this market. Meat and produce, homemade goods. Saturdays at the Rotary Complex (353 McCarthy Road). Indoor and outdoor market, but during Covid, they are outside.
Stratford Slow Food Market
The Stratford Sunday Market (part of Slow Food Perth County) features local producers, high-quality goods and friendly service. Usually open every Sunday, 10 – 2 in the Market Square, but during Covid, check their page first.
Stratford Local Community Food Centre has two markets for fruit, vegetables and unprocessed meats. They are closed now, but we'll update with opening times.
(Updated 20 June 2020)
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