Local grocer wins Foodland Ontario Retailer Award

By Ron Giofu

A local grocery store and its new owners received an award from Foodland Ontario last week.

Sobeys Amherstburg, represented by new owners Rick and Krista Truant and members of their staff, received a “Gold Creative” award as part of the Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards. The presentation was made last Tuesday morning by Essex MPP Anthony Leardi at the store.

Leardi pointed out he was making the presentation on behalf of Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson. He also recognized co-sponsors of the awards, including the Asparagus Farmers of Ontario, the Ontario Apple Growers, the Berry Growers of Ontario, the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers, and the Ontario Tender Fruit Producers.

“Without them, this wonderful initiative wouldn’t be possible. Ontario’s food system is a cornerstone of our provincial economy,” said Leardi.

According to Leardi, Ontario’s food retail sector contributed $6.96 billion to the province’s GDP and employed more than 186,000 people in the last year.

“Buying local food supports a strong agri-food sector that sustains us as individuals, strengthens our economy, and helps create good jobs across the province,” he said.

“Our government is committed to promoting food that is grown, harvested, and made in Ontario.”

For more than 35 years, the Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards have recognized outstanding retailer support for Ontario-grown foods, the Essex MPP added.

“The Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards have been the produce industry’s premier competition for excellence in retail displays and promotion in support for local foods for more than 35 years and provides retailers like you with the recognition you deserve,” he said. “We can’t thank you enough for consistently going the extra mile to communicate the message that good things that grow in Ontario.”

The Truants pointed out they were pleased with the award.

“It’s always good to support local farmers and local growers,” said Rick.

Rick said their produce is seasonal and they get more and more local products in the summer as area farmers are able to harvest their crops. They are able to use greenhouse growers in the colder months of the year.

“We’re getting more local dry goods as well,” he said, adding they went to a trade show recently get to know more local vendors.

The plan is for Sobeys to host a local vendor fair later this year.

“If you support people in the community, they’ll support you back,” said Rick.