MPP Rick Byers and the Hon. Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs, visited Markdale Foodland this past Saturday (June 1st) to present an Award of Excellence as well as a Platinum Award.
“I was pleased to recognize Store Manager Tawnya Tersigni and Produce Manager Dave Ruppel with the two Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards,” said MPP Byers. “These awards are given out in recognition of building creative produce displays that drive sales of local Ontario produce and demonstrate an exceptional commitment to Ontario’s local food industry.
For more than 35 years, the annual Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards have recognized the creative talent of retail managers and staff who build eye-catching promotional displays to promote Ontario grown and in-season fruits and vegetables.
This year, 63 Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards are being presented to 60 grocery stores across the province to celebrate excellence in retail display and promotion in support of local Ontario foods.
“Congratulations to all the winners of the 2023 Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “Our local grocery stores play a pivotal role in providing access to Ontario grown and produced food. Through creative in store displays that celebrate fresh, locally grown produce, grocery retailers are not only helping shoppers access some of the best and freshest food available worldwide – they’re celebrating Ontario farmers and strengthening the provincial economy.”
For more than 45 years, Foodland Ontario has connected with families on how to recognize, prepare and enjoy locally grown foods. Ontario has one of the most diverse agriculture and food industries in Canada, producing more than 200 commodities, including asparagus, berries, tender fruit, apples, greenhouse tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers and so many more. To know when all your local fruits and vegetables are in season, visit Foodland Ontario’s Availability Guide.
