Atlantic Canadians are being challenged to eat food products from the region for the day on September 4, 2009. The Eat Atlantic Challenge is aimed at helping everyone understand how easy it is to choose Atlantic first. Prince Edward Island Agriculture Minister George Webster is joining with agriculture ministers from across the region who have made the pledge to eat Atlantic for the day.
“This is an excellent opportunity for Prince Edward Islanders to demonstrate their support for local food producers,” said Mr. Webster. “When people choose Atlantic products they ensure that more of their food dollar goes to the men and women who make their living producing the foods they eat. That keeps money and jobs in our region.”
Mr. Webster is inviting Islanders to visit the Eat Atlantic Challenge website at www.eatatlantic.ca to offer their commitment. The home page shows a provincial leaderboard which keeps a running tally of pledges, broken down by province. Those who pledge to take part in the challenge automatically qualify for a chance to win a gift basket of Atlantic foods, valued at $250, donated by the region’s Co-op food stores.
Co-op launched the first Eat Atlantic Challenge in 2008.
“We are excited and encouraged to be working with the four provinces to raise awareness about the importance and opportunity of choosing Atlantic first when you shop,” said John Harvie, CEO of Co-op Atlantic. “The challenge is for one day but it’s surprisingly easy to enjoy an Atlantic diet all through the year. We grow some of the best food in the world here in Atlantic Canada. We should all be proud of that.”
The challenge has already created a friendly inter-provincial competition between the agriculture ministers, each of whom is urging residents to show pride in their respective provinces by joining the Eat Atlantic Challenge. Mr. Webster said the challenge will help people to think about the foods they eat and where they are produced. He said that already, Islanders have responded positively to the Buy PEI campaign established by his department last year. The Buy PEI campaign is aimed at increasing the awareness and availability of local food products.
“I am confident that the people of Prince Edward Island will offer their enthusiastic support to the challenge,” said Mr. Webster. “When they recognize the difference they can make in their lives and the lives of others, they will continue to support local food producers long after the challenge is over.”