Supporting Local: Why Buying Canadian Produce & Goods Matters
Supporting local farmers is good for the economy and your plate!
Living green has always been important to me - from my time on the Green Action Centre board to driving an electric vehicle, I truly believe our choices matter. And one of the simplest ways to live more sustainably? Being mindful of where we shop and what we buy.
When it comes to grocery shopping and home essentials, many of us don’t think twice about where our products come from. But making a conscious effort to buy Canadian goods and locally sourced produce can have a huge impact - on our economy, on farmers, and even on the quality of food we put on our tables.
While Canada has incredible locally grown produce and high-quality products, we also rely on Mexican imports during the colder months to keep fresh, nutritious food on our shelves. Shopping Canadian where possible and choosing ethical, sustainable imports like Mexican-grown produce helps support a responsible, high-quality food supply chain.
Here’s why buying Canadian (and Mexican) goods matters… and how you can shop more consciously!
🍁 Why Buying Canadian Goods & Produce Is Important
Buying Canadian-made products is more than just a patriotic choice - it strengthens our economy, reduces our carbon footprint, and ensures high safety and quality standards.
✅ Supports Local Farmers & Businesses: Your dollars stay in Canada, boosting our economy and creating jobs.
✅ Higher Food Safety Standards: Canadian-grown produce follows strict quality controls compared to many imports.
✅ Lower Carbon Footprint: Less transportation = fewer emissions.
✔ Pro Tip: Look for the “Product of Canada” or “Made in Canada” labels when grocery shopping or buying household goods!
It reduces our carbon footprint, and ensures high safety and quality standards.
🛒 Where to Shop Locally in Winnipeg
Where to Shop Local in Winnipeg 🛒✨
Shopping local keeps money in our community!
Supporting local is so much easier when you know where to look! Winnipeg is home to some fantastic stores that make it simple to shop with sustainability and community in mind.
One of my favorites? Red River Co-op! 🛍️❤️
🛒 Why Co-op is a Great Local Choice
Unlike big grocery chains, Co-op is a cooperative, meaning it’s owned by its members… not some far-off corporate headquarters. When you shop at Co-op, a portion of the profits go back into the community and into the pockets of members. So, not only are you supporting local farmers, but you’re also contributing to a business model that prioritizes people over profit.
🥖 Manitoba Made Aisle – A Local Shopping Goldmine
If you're looking for an easy way to shop local, head straight to Co-op’s Manitoba Made aisle! It’s packed with products from local farmers, bakers, and small businesses - think fresh bread, meats, dairy, preserves, and more, all from right here in Manitoba. Shopping from this aisle means fresher food, fewer food miles, and direct support for hardworking producers in our province.
It’s super interesting to shop in the aisle at Co-op, seeing where all these incredible products are made. Right in Winnipeg, Winkler, and Steinbach. It surprised me how much Manitoba offers… and its all delicious! From Thai peanut sauce, fancy pasta, taco chips, mustard, coffee and more!
📍 Other Local Shopping Spots to Check Out
Another fave practice of mine is hitting up the St. Norbert Farmers Market on a Saturday, they even operate during the Winter! One of my clients has a booth there and makes empanadas that are so delicious!
🍅 St. Norbert Farmers’ Market: The go-to for seasonal produce, honey, baked goods, and handmade items straight from Manitoba’s farmers and artisans.
🌱 Organic Planet Worker Co-op: A worker-owned organic grocery store in Wolseley that prioritizes local and fair-trade products.
🧀 De Luca’s: While best known for Italian goods, they also carry local cheeses, meats, and produce from Manitoba farms.
🏪 Public Markets and Specialty Shops: Places like Grant Park’s GoodLocal pop-up and specialty stores like Preserve by Flora & Farmer highlight Manitoba-made products year-round.
Shopping local doesn’t have to be all or nothing - even swapping out a few of your usual grocery items for local options makes a difference. And when you shop at places like Co-op, you’re doubling down on community impact! 💚🌎
Grows lettuce, herbs, and leafy greens year-round
❄️ Year-Round Canadian Produce in Winnipeg
Even in the depths of winter, you can still find fresh, Canadian-grown produce:
🥬 Les Verts Living (Hydroponic Greens)
🌿 Hydroponic Farming: Located in Morris, MB, Les Verts Living grows lettuce, herbs, and leafy greens year-round -no soil, just fresh local greens even in the dead of winter!
📍 Where to Buy: Their greens are stocked at Crampton’s Market, select Co-op locations, and local restaurants committed to sourcing fresh ingredients.
🥕 Seasonal Produce Basket Deliveries (CSA Programs in Winnipeg)
Summer in Winnipeg brings bountiful local harvests, and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs make it easy to enjoy fresh, seasonal produce delivered right to you!
🥦 Almost Urban Vegetables
🌱 Naturally Grown: A small-hold family farm in St. Norbert, offering a 16-week CSA program from mid June to September with pesticide-free, herbicide-free produce.
📦 CSA Options:
Regular Share ($675): Great for a family of 4 or 2 vegetarian adults.
"Bring It On" Share ($859): Includes preserves, dried herbs, flowers, microgreens, homemade goat milk soap, honey 🍯, and gourmet herbs!
📍 Pickup Locations: Downtown (Wolseley or Warsaw Ave) or at the farm in St. Norbert.
📝 Sign Up: Shares fill up fast - secure yours with a $75 deposit! Learn more on their CSA page.
🥗 CSA Manitoba
👩🌾 Farm-to-Table Options: Connects local farms with consumers offering weekly baskets of fresh produce.
🍎 Variety of Options: Choose from veggies, herbs, meats, and dairy to fit your household’s needs.
📍 How to Join: Find a CSA program that suits you through CSA Manitoba.
Summer in Winnipeg brings bountiful local harvests.
🥑 Why Mexican Produce Is a Smart, Sustainable Choice
During the colder months, it’s impossible to rely solely on Canadian-grown produce - and that’s where Mexican imports come in. Unlike mass-produced fruits and vegetables shipped from overseas, Mexican produce is fresher, travels a shorter distance, and supports ethical farming communities.
✅ Closer to Home: Mexican produce travels a shorter distance than imports from overseas, meaning fresher food and lower emissions.
✅ Strong Trade Partnerships with Canada: Mexico follows North American food safety regulations and supports sustainable agriculture.
✅ Affordable & Accessible: While local produce is always best, Mexican-grown fruits & veggies keep our shelves stocked year-round.
✔ Pro Tip: Look for responsibly farmed Mexican avocados, tomatoes, and citrus in winter - they often have higher quality than other imports!
Mexican produce is a sustainable, high-quality choice in winter months.
Understanding food labels is key to supporting local.
🔎 "Made in Canada" vs. "Product of Canada"… What’s the Difference?
Understanding food labels is key to supporting local while making informed choices:
"Product of Canada"
✅ Meaning: All or virtually all ingredients, processing, and labor are Canadian.
🏅 Example: A jar of maple syrup harvested, processed, and bottled entirely in Canada.
🏭 "Made in Canada"
✅ Meaning: The final product was manufactured in Canada, but it may contain imported ingredients. At least 51% of production costs must be Canadian.
🏷️ Example: A chocolate bar made in Canada with cocoa beans imported from another country but processed here.
Knowing the difference empowers you to support Canadian businesses and farmers more effectively!✨
🌎 How to Be a More Conscious Shopper
You don’t have to completely overhaul your shopping habits to make a difference… small changes add up!
✅ Prioritize Canadian & Local Goods: Check for "Made in Canada" labeling.
✅ Choose North American Produce Over Overseas Imports: Mexican-grown avocados, citrus, and peppers travel less than produce from across the world.
✅ Support Independent Grocers: Local markets often stock more Canadian & ethically sourced products than big box stores.
✅ Reduce Waste & Shop Seasonally: When Canadian produce is in season, buy fresh & freeze for later!
✔ Pro Tip: Ask your grocer where their produce comes from - you might be surprised at how much local and North American food is available!
Become a Conscious Consumer!
Final Thoughts
Shopping Canadian supports our farmers, reduces emissions, and ensures high food quality… and when local isn’t an option, choosing Mexican-grown produce is a smart, sustainable choice.
The next time you shop, take a second to check where your food and household goods come from. A little awareness goes a long way!
