Thank you to Food Basics, Longo’s and Metro for Supporting Ontario Farmers

June 10, 2025

MPP Parsa was pleased to present Foodland Ontario Retailer Platinum and Silver Awards

AURORA-OAK RIDGES-RICHMOND HILL – Today, MPP Michael Parsa recognized Jennifer Sousa of Food Basics #856 with a Platinum award, Ryan Henry of Longo’s Richmond Hill #22 with a Silver award, and Joe Dias of Metro #767 with a Silver award for their commitment to protecting Ontario’s farmers and local food supply chain by promoting local food. The award recognizes creative produce displays that showcase the bounty of Ontario’s local food industry.

“Our local grocery stores are standing up for Ontario farmers and our agricultural heritage by proudly showcasing local food in creative and engaging ways,” said Michael Parsa, MPP for Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill. “Through their award-winning displays, they have shown that supporting Ontario produce is an impactful way to strengthen our communities and ensure a sustainable future for agriculture in Ontario.”

For more than 35 years, the annual Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards have continued to be the produce industry’s signature opportunity to recognize the creative talent of produce managers and staff who build eye-catching displays that promote Ontario-grown and in-season fruits and vegetables.

“Congratulations to all the winners of the 2024 Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “Now more than ever, it is important to buy Ontario-grown and made foods to support our local food industry. Most purchase decisions are made in-store. When businesses build creative displays to highlight local products, they are helping drive purchases that support and protect Ontario farms, food businesses and our entire food supply chain.”

This year, Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards are presenting 64 awards that recognize 60 grocery stores across the province for their innovative promotion of fresh Ontario food. This annual program runs between January and November and includes four categories of displays that celebrate excellence in retail display and promotion in support of local Ontario foods.

For almost 50 years, Foodland Ontario has connected with families on how to recognize, prepare and enjoy locally grown foods. Ontario has one of the most diverse agri-food industries in Canada and produces more than 200 commodities, including

asparagus, berries, tender fruit, apples, greenhouse tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. To know when all your local fruits and vegetables are in season, visit Foodland Ontario’s Availability Guide.

Quick Facts:

By buying locally grown foods, Ontarians are supporting Ontario’s agriculture and food industry which in turn provides more than 871,000 across the province.
Ontario celebrates Local Food Week each year by recognizing our hardworking farmers, food businesses, retailers and everyone across the local food supply chain. This year, Local Food Week is June 2-8, 2025.