Less than 10% of the food eaten by islanders is produced on Salt Spring Island. Grow Local is new project that aims to increase the amount of food produced on the island by coordinating farms into a collective movement that sells food to grocery stores, restaurants, caterers, institutions and the public.
Scaling up the production of food for residents and visitors is an essential part of strengthening our local food system. At the same time we can address climate change, protect the ecology, respect workers and ensure a decent livelihood for farmers.
This summer Grow Local is launching a Foodraiser to Fill The Root with Root Crops. Farmers are growing root crops that will be stored at The Root and made available to local buyers over the fall and winter either on a weekly basis or as a one-time purchase. Gardeners are also participating in the project by donating their root crops to the Foodraiser, which helps fund future Grow Local activities.
Developing new markets for local food and strengthening business relationships, helps connect the food sectors on the island and creates more economic opportunities for all.
Many thanks to the farmers, gardeners, Local Salt, The Agriculture Alliance, The Farm Land Trust, The Island Coastal Economic Trust and the Capital Regional District (CRD) for helping to make Grow Local a success.
For more information or to get involved please contact growlocalssi@gmail.com
Nick and Polly and the Grow Local Team
