Why buy local?

Reasons for Buying Local
History of Farming in Peel
Eating Healthy is Easy!
While On the Farm...
Important Food Safety Reminders

REASONS FOR BUYING LOCAL

Grown in Peel promotes local agriculture and plays a role in connecting producers with consumers. It also supports the work of the Region of Peel’s initiatives to increase residents’ access to safe, healthy and affordable food.

Grown in Peel links people to the farmers and farm families who produce their food as well as the land where the food is grown.

Local produce is picked fresh and tastes great. Foods imported from other locations are often picked before they are ripe and ripen during shipping.

Going to where food is grown allows people to see how food is produced and is an enriching experience.

The Region of Peel is proud to support local farmers and food production.

HISTORY OF FARMING IN PEEL

If you’re talking about agriculture, Peel’s “roots” go deep.

First settled in the 1800s, Peel was primarily forested, flat land with fertile soils and a moderate climate. Once cleared, the land proved bountiful enough to supply the settlers with food and eventually allowed them to sell their products to larger markets, such as the villages of Bolton, Brampton and Streetsville, and neighbouring communities like Toronto.

As time passed, many farmers specialized in grain crops or focused on livestock, such as beef or dairy. Some farmers even chose unique specialties, such as ginseng for export. And Peel’s many horse breeding operations and commercial greenhouses became internationally renowned.

Today, farming continues in Peel and includes a wide range of farm types and styles from horse breeding and livestock to cash crop, fruit and vegetables, and more. The Grown in Peel guide supports the farming community and its families, and encourages residents to enjoy the bounty of this rich agricultural heritage.

EATING HEALTHY IS EASY!

Vegetables and fruit taste great and are good for you, too. A healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruit may help reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke and some types of cancer. Variety is the spice of life – choose foods from all four food groups.

Visit healthcanada.gc.ca/foodguide for more information on Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide.

To speak with a Registered Dietitian about healthy eating, call Eat Right Ontario at 1-877-510-5102 or visit EatRightOntario.ca. For more resources, visit HealthyEatingPeel.ca.

Some of the farms in this guide sell wine. Keep in mind the Low Risk Drinking Guidelines suggest no more than two standard drinks on any one day. Visit lrdg.net for the Low Risk Drinking Guidelines. And remember – drinking and driving don’t mix.

WHILE ON THE FARM...

Farm animals and petting zoos are popular attractions at some local farms. Always remember to wash your hands with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer, as soon as possible after touching these animals. Do not eat any foods or touch your face before washing your hands with soap and water.

If you or your child is bitten or scratched by a farm animal, you should immediately report the incident to the farm owner/operator, wash the bite/scratch area with soap and water, and report the incident to Region of Peel – Public Health at 905-799-7700.

If needed, seek medical attention.

IMPORTANT FOOD SAFETY REMINDERS

1. All unpasteurized juices or ciders should be brought to a boil before drinking or serving them, particularly for children.
2. Do not drink unpasteurized milk. Even in small quantities, unpasteurized milk is unsafe, particularly for children. It is illegal to sell or distribute unpasteurized milk in Ontario.
3. Farm-fresh eggs can only be sold directly from the farm where the eggs were produced. All other egg vendors must sell eggs that have been graded at a registered egg grading station.
4. All meats sold in Ontario must come from a federal or provincially inspected abattoir. Look for the inspection tags/stamps and labels! If you are in doubt, ask for proof that the meat is from an approved source.
5. All prepared foods offered for sale must be from an approved source (inspected by a government agency).
6. Wash all vegetables and fruit before eating.
7. Bring a cooler with ice packs to help keep perishable items cold (and safer) on the trip home. If you do not have a cooler, you should take all perishable items home immediately after purchase.
8. Always remember to wash your hands before and after handling food.