May 1999
There are lots of people seeking organic food for their own kitchen table. That partially explains the high price for organic food - demand is still stronger than supply. At the trade shows and fairs that I attend, I regularly get asked where to buy organic food close to home. So, this article is dedicated to helping you find organic food nearby.
The best and most inexpensive source of organic food is your own! Your own garden, livestock barn, orchard provide reliable, rewarding, and nutritious food. You know what went into it and how it was handled; you can take great pride in showing your own food to friends and family. And when you produce it organically, you are eliminating costly and dangerous inputs while protecting your own environment. Why do we rush off to work long hours for someone else, only to spend our money on processed food that someone else produced?
When your garden lacks the necessary variety and quantity to feed your family, then try other organic gardens. It is less expensive and far more enjoyable than shopping at the super market. Watch for the road side stands, and ask the vendor if the produce is organic. Canadian Organic Growers (Ottawa Chapter) publishes a list of organic producers in Eastern Ontario and Western Québec. To locate an organic producer near your home, call me and I will gladly mail you the list. You can call the producer and enquire about farm-gate sales or maybe arrange delivery.
To find several producers under one roof, try a farmers' market: great selection, fresh produce, and a friendly atmosphere. Several farmers' markets in Eastern Ontario also host organic producers. There is a specific Organic Farmers' Market in Ottawa, every Saturday from 10AM to 2PM, at the Kingsway Church on Island Park Drive next to the Queensway. This year round market is an Ottawa favourite for fresh produce, meat, eggs, milk products, herbs, bread, dry goods, home baked goods, and crafts.
If you like the convenience of your supermarket, then you have probably noted the progress over the last couple of years: organic breakfast cereals and pastas, organic kefir, organic produce, etc. Ask your supermarket manager about organic food. As more people ask, they will be pleased to carry your preferred food items. Most urban supermarkets have a dedicated organic produce section, a health food section with organic items and organic dairy products. Maynard's in Cornwall has grouped their organic items in one aisle; Mike Dean's in Chesterville now carries organic milk on request. Pinehedge organic kefir is available in Loeb's in Embrun.
The health food stores have traditionally been a reliable source of organic food along with a complete selection of bulk foods and supplements. All urban communities have a number of health food stores; the medium size towns now all have one that is worth your visit. In Perth, Foodsmith's has a complete selection of organic food. Le Tournesol in Embrun will take your order for organic vegetables and fruits while you browse through their dry goods section. Nature's Way in Kemptville has an interesting combination of organic food along with wine & beer making supplies. The health food store in Alexandria started carrying organic milk products last fall.
Finally, there is a short but growing list of organic-only food stores. Haedae Farm's store in Merrickville grew quickly from its modest stand at the local farmers' market. Open 7 days a week, it serves you the complete selection of local products and imports from bacon to salads to fresh bread. I cannot avoid mentioning my own store at Homestead Organics, in the feed mill in Berwick. We are open 9-6 on weekdays and 9-noon on Saturday. We have an interesting choice of dry goods, dairy products, frozen meat and bread. Drop in for your groceries and to chat about the progress of the organic market.
A contribution by Tom Manley
President of Homestead Organics