The city is collaborating with the Chamber of Commerce to reach an even broader audience with its new agricultural tool.
The Campbell River Food Map, an online interactive directory of restaurants, stores and farms carrying local food, was launched in April and is catching retailers’ attention.
Richard Buchan, a co-op student from UVic working on the city’s food map, said to promote the food map, a Think Local, Eat Local brand was created to piggyback on the Chamber’s Think Local campaign.
“Forty-eight retailers have listed products on the map, an additional 18 have been granted access to individualized profiles, and 12 businesses that provide relevant supplies and services are also listed on the map,” Buchan said. “There are hundreds of product listings, which continue to grow.”
So far, the Food Map features 17 Campbell River farms as well as 16 restaurants including Fusilli Grill, Misty Fin’s, Baba Gannouj, Acropolis Kuizina, Royal Coachman Inn, and Comfort Zone Foods. It also lists 20 stores that sell local products, including Save-On-Foods, Crabby Bob’s Seafood, Thrifty Foods, London Drugs, Stonehouse Teas, and Real Canadian Superstore.
Buchan said since the launch of the Food Map, the city has been working with the Chamber to promote the Think Local, Eat Local branch in the private sector and with residents and land owners to show them the opportunities that exist for growing food.
“This will ensure that it is much easier for Campbell River residents to identify local food purchasing options and recreational opportunities, and that local businesses can showcase their local products and nurture a ‘made in Campbell River’ identity,” Buchan said.
The Food Map aims to expand agriculture development in Campbell River.