Toronto Environmental Alliance

Published in the National Post: http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=896641

Allison Hanes, National Post Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Apple-cheeked children from city day cares tried to sweeten up city councillors yesterday to support a local food policy that is under consideration at the government management committee today. Pulling wagons stacked with Ontario apples, the children dropped off baskets of locally grown Galas to councillors' offices, with the help of members of the Toronto Environmental Alliance. Jamie Kirkpatrick, a campaigner with the Alliance, said the time is ripe for Toronto to purchase more locally grown produce at city day cares and nursing homes. Although a proposal before the committee suggests buying 10% local and organic food, adding an additional $100,000 to the $11-million annual budget, Mr. Kirkpatrick said the city should aim for 50%. The added cost is minimal, he said, but would support local farmers and bolster the local economy. "It makes more sense than buying from China," he said. The policy, if approved today, will go to council next week.