~ Over 4,300 Atlantic Canadians Take up Challenge to Eat Only Atlantic Foods for One Day ~
Prince Edward Island earned the title of having the largest number of Atlantic food supporters in the recent Eat Atlantic Challenge. The province consistently held top spot on the provincial leaderboard throughout the campaign, a ranking based on population. Over 4,400 Atlantic Canadians honoured their pledge to eat only Atlantic foods for one day on Friday, September 4.
“It’s great that Islanders had the highest regional participation rate in the Atlantic region,” said acting Agriculture Minister Wes Sheridan. He described the promotion as a fun and educational way to promote the many benefits of buying local. Mr. Sheridan was joined by ministers responsible for agriculture in the other three Atlantic provinces in this unique collaborative effort to highlight the great taste and freshness of Atlantic-produced products and their positive contributions to our health, our economy and our environment. “This challenge shows the difference we can make when we work together to achieve a common goal – to encourage Atlantic Canadians to choose Atlantic first,” said the minister.
“I am pleased and encouraged by the tremendous response to this challenge,” said Mr. Sheridan. “It clearly demonstrates that Atlantic Canadians care about the foods they eat. This was an impressive show of support for our producers and their products.”
“Although Prince Edward Island led the way, everyone is a winner in this challenge,” said Mr. Sheridan. “This promotion got Atlantic Canadians thinking about the foods they eat and the impact their food choices have on their lives and the lives of others.”
Mr. Sheridan is encouraging residents of Prince Edward Island to continue to choose Atlantic first year round. “When we eat Atlantic foods we all benefit,” he said. “Our families are healthier. Our environment is cleaner and our communities are stronger.”
The challenge was coordinated by Co-op Atlantic and its 100 member stores in Atlantic Canada.