NANAIMO – As the opportunities to buy local are growing, consumers are connecting with growers and learning more about the food they eat.
The City of Nanaimo is among those communities leading the way and promoting the benefits of buying locally.
The provincially funded Buy Local Program is helping locally owned and operated businesses promote their products to increase brand awareness and sales. Three Nanaimo-based companies are receiving up to $46,600 of funding to develop advertising materials, launch campaigns and run contests to encourage consumers to buy local.
Taste of BC Fine Foods is launching a campaign for Little Cedar Falls Steelhead. Based in Nanaimo, it is one of the first land-based recirculation aquaculture system salmon farms, setting a model for sustainable freshwater aquaculture. The family-farm model is projected to produce approximately 100 metric tons (1,000 kilograms) of steelhead per year, offering quality seafood for British Columbians to enjoy.
St. Jean’s Cannery and Smokehouse is known for its 100% wild and sustainable, locally sourced tuna and salmon. The one-man operation, started by Armand St. Jean, has developed in to a successful, thriving business contributing to the Nanaimo community for over 50 years. Today, it is the largest cannery serving the sport-fishing industry in BC.
Local business, the Foley Dog Treat Company, wants dogs to have the option of eating locally sourced treats and foods. The company created an additional logo for their VitalityDog product called Local Dog. The logo is used to raise awareness of locally sourced ingredients and manufactured dog treats. The Foley Dog Treat Company wants to help pet owners ensure their dogs are fed and treated in the most healthy, sustainable and safe way possible.
The Buy Local program has received $8 million in BC government funding since 2012 to increase sales of locally grown and processed agrifood and seafood products within the province.