CORNWALL, Ontario – Registration is open for the first ever SDG & PR Local Food Challenge, a 10-day event which challenges residents of Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry, Prescott, Russell, and Cornwall to enjoy as much local food as they can.
Patricipants are also being encouraged to share their experiences across social media using #eatSDGPR.
The event runs from Aug. 14 to 23.
“This event is meant to be a fun yet competitive way for residents to explore their local food community and all that it has to offer,” said Kat Rendek, co-ordinator for All Things Food, one of the agencies spearheading the event.
Other organizers include Transition Cornwall +, the Eastern Ontario Health Unit, the Eastern Ontario Agri-food Network, Growing Up Organic, Centre de santé communautaire de l’Estrie, Seaway Valley Community Health Centre, and Kozroots Community Empowerment Projects.
“We already have a number of great activities and prizes lined up for the week” said Sarah Mulvihill, Local Food Challenge communications assistant. “So make sure to register and follow us on social media for your chance to win.”
There is no cost for business or community residents to join the Local Food Challenge, however online registration is required at www.sdgprlocalfoodchallenge.com.
Once registered, participants are provided with a tracking sheet to log their daily consumption of local food during the ten day period, easy access to the Prescott & Russell, Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Local Food Map, and updates with tips and tricks for enjoying the season’s harvest.
Local businesses and community organizations who specialize in local food within the region are also invited to register with the challenge as a way to advertise their business, products, and special events. Interested parties will have access to promotional tools, social media channels, and event resources leading up to the 10 day event.
The Challenge will not entirely focus on buying SDG & PR food products, but will also aim to encourage gardening, healthy food preparation, and basic food preservation skills.
“Enjoying local food is about more than just meeting your local farmer or chef,” said Alain D’Aoust, regional co-ordinator for Growing Up Organic. “It’s about learning how to grow, harvest, and prepare nutritious meals for the whole family to enjoy.”
A series of events and toolkits have been scheduled to help novice gardeners and cooks feel more comfortable with local foods and to try new things. The full calendar of events and resource list are available on the Local Food Challenge website and social media pages.
