MPP Thompson Presents Southampton Foodland Store with Silver Foodland Ontario Retailer Award  

SOUTHAMPTON – On Friday, MPP Lisa Thompson recognized Linda Mellor and the team at the Southampton Foodland with a Foodland Ontario Silver Award for building creative produce displays that drive sales of local Ontario produce and demonstrate an exceptional commitment to Ontario’s local food industry.

“Congratulations to the team at the Southampton Foodland store on winning a Silver 2023 Foodland Ontario Retailer Award,” said Thompson. “Local grocery stores like this one play a pivotal role in providing access to Ontario grown and produced food. Through creative in store displays that celebrate fresh, locally grown produce, grocery retailers are not only helping shoppers access some of the best and freshest food available worldwide – they’re celebrating Ontario farmers and strengthening the provincial economy.”

For more than 35 years, the annual Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards have recognized the creative talent of retail managers and staff who build eye-catching promotional displays to promote Ontario grown and in-season fruits and vegetables.

“We thank the government of Ontario for recognizing our efforts to promote Ontario-grown food,” said Linda Mellor, Produce Manager at Foodland in Southampton. “That’s been a key focus of ours not only because we want to support Ontario farmers, but because in doing so we know that we’re helping consumers choose the freshest products available on the market.”

This year, 63 Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards are being presented to 60 grocery stores across the province to celebrate excellence in retail display and promotion in support of local Ontario foods.

Foodland Ontario helps families recognize, prepare and enjoy locally grown foods. Ontario has one of the most diverse agriculture and food industries in Canada, producing more than 200 commodities, including asparagus, berries, tender fruit, apples, greenhouse tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers and so many more. To know when all your local fruits and vegetables are in season, visit Foodland Ontario’s Availability Guide.