Eating Local in Canada: A Parent’s Guide to Season Eating
Written by Gillian Hayes, summerlunch+ staff
Canada’s climate and short growing season can limit what produce we group year round (1). Let’s explore what produce we can eat in each season and why seasonal eating is a benefit to us, Canada, and our planet.
Why Eating Seasonal Is Best
First, when we eat local produce, we support local communities and Canada’s Food System (1). We help our farmers, stimulate our economy, and reinvest in our communities (1). Being able to control our own food system is an important part of creating a food secure and resilient Canada (1).
Second, shopping locally and seasonally helps us feel connected to our food (1). We connect directly with farmers and know all about how our food is produced (1).
Additionally, our food is a higher quality (1). Seasonal produce is often fresher and more flavourful because it gets to you faster and travels less (1). Research also suggests that local food is more nutritious (2). Local produce is picked closer to it being ripe which may increase their vitamins and minerals content (2). The nutritional content also decreases the longer produce travels (2).
Sustainability Myth
Local food is often considered to be more sustainable because it travels less to get to our kitchen table (1). However, research suggests distance traveled is not the only measure of sustainability. True sustainability depends on individual farms and crops, so do not feel bad if you are unable to find or afford local food (1).
Food Across Canada
Canada’s Food System employs over 2.3 million Canadians and generates 150 billion dollars per year (3). Canada’ alone has almost 190,000 farms (3). Because Canada is massive and has a diverse climate, each province specializes in different produce and agricultural goods.
Take a look at the map to see which local foods you enjoy in your hometown (3).
Food by Province
Produce by Season
We may have long winters, but we grow fruit and vegetables throughout the year (4). We also have a growing number of greenhouses in Canada (4).
Take a look at the guide below to see what produce you can add to your meals in each season! (4)
Shopping Smart with Food Labels
Labels can help us determine which food products are Canadian (5).
"Product of Canada" foods mean processing and labour are Canadian and a significant amount of the ingredients are from Canada (5).
"Made in Canada" labels mean the last step in processing occurred in Canada (5). For example, the assembly of frozen pizza parts was done in Canada (5).
"100% Canadian" means that all ingredients, processing, and labour used to make the food are Canadian (5).
Finally, lots of the provinces also have special symbols they include on produce and food products to show they’re local (5). Look for which one you would see in your local supermarket.
References
Magpie Group. (n.d.). Redefining “Local” Food: Benefits, Myths and Sustainability. Canadian Food Focus. https://canadianfoodfocus.org/food/redefining-local-food-benefits-myths-and-sustainability/
University of North Carolina Nutrition Research Institute. (2025, June 6). Eating with the seasons: Why it matters for your health. https://uncnri.org/2025/06/06/eating-with-the-seasons-why-it-matters-for-your-health/
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. (n.d.). Sector trend analysis – Packaged food trends in Canada. Government of Canada. https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/sector/overview
Canadian Food Focus. (n.d.). What’s in Season. https://canadianfoodfocus.org/whats-in-season/
Canadian Food Inspection Agency. (2025, June 4). How to identify Canadian food. Government of Canada. https://inspection.canada.ca/en/food-labels/labelling/consumers/canadian-food