100% Local Challenge and Discovery Boxes

 

Eating local means getting supplies as close to home as possible. Starting with the food that grows in our garden, then with the food produced or processed in our community or region and, finally, with products from all over Quebec. Sourcing locally means knowing the people who work to produce, process and prepare our food. By forging ties with these producers, we are laying the foundations of a huge community that, in times of global crisis, is resilient and has the initial reflex to become closer and to continue sourcing as locally as possible.

In September, the entire population of Quebec is invited to celebrate the richness of our terroirs as part of the 100% Local Challenge – a challenge that invites us to eat even more home-grown food, encourage producers and discover what nature has to offer in the woods and fields. By registering, participants will receive tools and tips throughout the month of September to become even more locavore, and will be eligible for a multitude of contests to win gourmet gifts from their region. "The idea is really to encourage people to discover regional products," says Geneviève Grossenbacher, director of the Table agroalimentaire de l'Outaouais (TAO), a non-profit organization whose role is to coordinate the development efforts of the regional agri-food sector. 

A new addition to this year's challenge is the "100% Local Discovery Box". Participants will be able to cook a meal made with local products by purchasing a lunch box (for 4 people). Under the BBQ theme (meat or vegetarian), the box contains high quality ingredients and a recipe developed by regional chef Marie Papilles. Perfect for a dinner with family or friends! To order the discovery box, you have to be quick! Quantities are limited and the deadline to place an order is September 15 at croquezoutaouais.com.

"For the producers, it was a difficult summer at the beginning of the season, especially for the sugar shacks. That's why we decided to launch the initiative of discovery baskets of local products, with a burger theme," explained Grossenbacher. "The discovery boxes can be picked up at one of our four drop-off points in the Outaouais region by those who have decided to buy them, just in time to celebrate the 100% local day that will take place across Quebec on September 19. We hope that many of you will come to eat your heart out on that day!”

Join the 100% Local Challenge movement and make your region shine!