Eat Up Your February

We invite you to EAT UP YOUR FEBRUARY!

Did you know you can eat local food year-round? While some might associate locally grown food mainly with summer farmers’ markets filled with local fruit and produce or farm side stands fully loaded with corn or squash, we guarantee that you will find local products on store shelves year-round – even during the cold and icy days of February.

Let us inspire with some key tips on how to shop, experience and engage around local food this month and year-round. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for updates on how to #EatUpYourFebruary or read below.

Local Food Box

Guelph Wellington Circular Food Box imageCreated in partnership with the Guelph Box and Our Food Future, the Guelph Wellington Circular Box brings together delicious local food and circular products from the region. All products are grown and made in Wellington County showcasing sustainable, regenerative practices, or upcycled materials.

Orders are on a first-come, first-served basis and you will receive a selection of delicious local foods and products. All items will be packed in an insulated black cooler bag from Taste Real.

Local Delivery: Tuesday, February 28

Pick up: Tuesday, February 28 at 10C between 5:00 - 7:00pm

Limited quantities available. Delivery available within Wellington County and Guelph.

Order your box now!

Takeout Favourites

burgers waiting to be picked up in a takeout windowShow your love for local restaurants by ordering takeout. We have put together a list of favourite takeout meals from local food restaurants and food businesses across Wellington County and Guelph to get you inspired. Check out what’s on the menu and find the perfect beverage pairing.
Treat your Valentine
heart cookies on lolliesWe strongly believe that the way to someone's heart is through good food! Check our list of some delicious Valentine's Day specials available at Guelph and Wellington County businesses. Find your Valentine's treat.
Sign up for a Farm Share
crate full of vegetablesFarm shares, often called CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture programmes) allow Wellington County and Guelph residents to have direct access to high quality, fresh produce grown by local farmers. Check out local CSA programmes and options locally. Did you now? Winter is the perfect time to sign up to a farm share, as it helps farmers with early-season expenses such as seeds and tools!
Farm Fresh Meats

sliced roast laying on wooden cutting boardFrom summer sausage to filet mignon, local suppliers have you covered. You can find farm fresh meat at the farms and farm stores across Wellington County. Also learn the benefits of buying farm-direct. Discover local farm fresh meats.
Purchase Farm Direct
chalk board in front of table thanking the support of farmers and local foodWhile fields may lay dormant under a blanket of snow, farms don’t close in the winter. Many local farm stores and markets are open year-round and are worth a visit. Be sure to check opening hours and purchasing procedures, as they will vary by location.
Fibre Fun

white and brown alpacas standing in a fieldKnitters, felters and weavers - explore our local sheep or alpaca farms and fibre mill for yarn, fibre products and inspiration. Find cozy socks, sheep or alpaca yarn, felted products, sheep skins and much more. Discover local farms.
Find a Local Butcher

steak and cleaver on a butcher blockFor excellent selection and quality visit these outstanding butcher shops and see what they have to offer. We asked each of them for their signature ingredient or 'must taste item' - they are worth a try! Find a local butcher.
Discover fresh Dairy Products
two kids holding ice cream conesEver tried dandelion ice cream or creamy ramenbert? In Wellington County we are fortunate to have some wonderful artisian farm fresh dairies. Visit some of Guelph-Wellington's and taste flavours like never before! Discover your favourite.
Go on a Food or Farm Tour
charcuterie on a tableFood and farm tours offer a unique way to get to know a place. Whether you are a visitor or call Guelph Wellington your home, we invite you to learn and discover unique tastes and flavours in our backyard. Book a tour with one of our locations listed or pick up the local food map and create your own adventure.
Preserved Goodness
jars or preserves on a shelfThere are many ways to carry the tastes and sunshine of summer into the colder months. Preserving fruit and vegetables must be one of the best ways to spice up the season with some delicious harvest produce. Find locally made preserves.
Butter Tart Adventures
close up of tiny butter tartsMaybe Ontario’s favourite sweet treat – the iconic butter tart is well represented locally. In our opinion, we have some of the best in the country. The proof is in the pudding – or tart in this case. Did you know that Wellington County is home to a provincially recognized butter tart champion? You might not be able to get ahold of Helen Moffat’s (Drayton) acclaimed tarts, but we’ve picked some of our favourite butter tart locations for you to explore. Find your butter tart.
Local Beverages

flight of four beers on tableA great way to enjoy local year-round – check out local beverage producers. Craft brews, ciders, spirits, wine, and non-alcoholic options all made in Guelph-Wellington. Cheers! Find local beverage producers.
Farmers' Markets
vegetables on display at a marketWhile opening day for most of Wellington’s farmers’ markets is still a few months away, the Guelph Farmers’ Market is open year round and offers a huge variety of foods and locally made items. Did you know, the Guelph Farmers’ Market is one of Guelph’s oldest and most-loved community spaces - it first opened its doors in 1827! Other markets might be closed this time of year but you can still support their vendors directly. Discover your local market.
Honey and Beeswax Products
jar of honey and honeycomb on a tableBees are maybe the hardest farm workers in the world. Not only do they pollinate crops they also provide us with the best natural sweetener. Discover where to buy local honey and beeswax products in Guelph and Wellington County.
Snacks
close up of granola with dried cranberries and pumpkin seedsWe can’t keep away from locally made snacks. Whether you are looking for a unique gift or just want to treat yourself, we recommend you give these products a try. Find your snack.
Cooking Classes or Workshops
two people making pastaAre you an aspiring chef or want to learn new food skills? Food workshops and classes are a great way to deepen your culinary skills or get started. Here are some local entrepreneurs offering virtual and in-person classes. Learn more.
Eat Local on Campus
plate with openfaced burger and saladDid you know that you can eat local on campus? The team at the University of Guelph’s Hospitality Services is a nation-wide leader when it comes to local food and we’re happy to boast about it on their behalf. Check out what's on offer in February.
Sap Season
sap buckets on a treeIt’s (almost) Sap Season in Wellington County – and for us, that means the sweetest time of the year. We have a full calendar of maple-infused outings and events happening in March and April. See where you can purchase syrup at one of Wellington County’s Maple Syrup farms.
Ag Education
boy feeding calf a bottle of milkWe have put together a list of posts, videos and workshops about agriculture, and local food you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home. A great addition to kids’ online school curriculum and great material for anyone wanting to dig deeper. Learn about agriculture.
Becoming a Locavore

chalkboard sign that says local productsBecoming a locavore doesn’t have to be an all or nothing approach. You can simply start tweaking a few shopping habits that will help to fill your plate with more local foods while supporting local businesses. Here are a few tips:

  1. Start by switching out a few items in your pantry for local ones, like honey and maple syrup.

  2. Plan a regular visit to the farmers’ market.

  3. Buy a box of frozen meat from a local farm.

  4. Sign up for a Farm Share programme to receive fresh, in-season vegetables.

  5. Check out the fruit and produce availability calendar for our region.

  6. Pick up a local food map and see what’s available in your back yard.

Winter Outings

Horse-drawn sleigh rides, cooking classes, and more - visit the Taste Real events calendar to see what's on during February. Check back often as new events are added regularly.

View Calendar

 

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