Antigonish Regional Development Authority, where ideas take root

Antigonish Local Food Guide

In June 2009, ARDA, in collaboration with VOICES Antigonish, Guysborough Antigonish Strait Health Authority, Department of Agriculture, and the Antigonish Farmers Market, published and distributed a Local Food Guide. The guide lists over 20 local food suppliers in the Antigonish area and has been a great method of gaining awareness around community food security and availability.

“Not only has it been a great tool for people to find local food producers, but it has helped raise awareness of food security and has generated support for our local farmers and producers,” says Heather Myers, development officer at ARDA. “Now that the brochure has been out and in circulation for a few months, the feedback has been incredible.”

Veronica DeYoung, president of the Antigonish Farmers Market agrees about the need for a local food guide. “Much needed,” she says. “A great start to connecting consumers with local producers and products. Everything we need is right in our backyards. We just need to know where.”

“The time was right,” says Sid Taylor of Glen Hill Berry Farm. “More people are looking for local food. Our Farmers Market is well supported for the size of our community, but not everyone can get to the Farmers Market Saturday morning. We’ve always tried to make it more accessible to people. This way they have the information to find local and fresh products.” 

“Food is just one of many products produced locally. We have many entrepreneurs that are unique to this area of Nova Scotia and we really should enjoy all they have to offer,” says Veronica. 

“Hopefully this is just the beginning and we see more projects like this,” says Sid.