I went to Loblaws...

[ShonTron]

AP and US: Again, you have your own thread for this.

How many times to Ed and the mods have to remind you?

 

[Skeezix]

Back in the mid-90s when I worked for Loblaws, we carried a LOT more local produce than they do today.

I don't necessarily buy big grocery's arguments as to why they can't use local product. Wegman's, Loblaws' frequent source of inspiration, not only has lots of local produce, but they promote it above all else: they take deliveries direct to each store from the farm, unload it out front for all to see, display it prominently, list the farm, farmers and location/distance from the store. There is also a large chalkboard at the entrance that lists what's local today. And this isn't some independent or upscale market...this is a chain that dominates their markets. I like that they don't just 'stock' local produce, they 'sell' it and promote the hell out of it.

Had some Ontario corn, canteloupe and peaches this weekend - simply perfect...tastes like summer.

Exactly. There is nothing to stop them from sourcing locally, but the margins on cheaper produce shipped from California are higher.

I notice Whole Foods is now starting to note the locally-grown produce, and often provides background information on the farms. Previously, useless "Product of Canada" signs, with no indication as to whether it was Ontario, B.C. or wherever, tended to dominate

 

[Skeezix]

AP and US: Again, you have your own thread for this.

How many times to Ed and the mods have to remind you?

I thought they were right on topic.

 

[Hydrogen]

Loblaws, local produce, fruit, jam - sounds like a consistent topic thread is happening.

Except for the part of adma bighting the head off racoons. That was weird.