Foodland Ontario Retailer Award celebrates retailers for their innovation and commitment to Ontario-grown produce.
CLARINGTON – Today, MPP Todd McCarthy awarded Metro 453 Store Manager Michelle Blair and Produce Manager Rick Runnells of the Bowmanville Metro Store 453 with the 2025 Platinum Award for their commitment to protecting Ontario’s farmers and local food supply chain by promoting local produce through the Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards program. The program awards creative in-store displays of fresh, seasonally grown fruits and vegetables that make it easy for consumers to recognize and buy the good things that grow in Ontario.
“Like many communities in Ontario, Clarington’s grocers, food, and agriculture producers provide a valuable service to the people of Ontario” said the Hon. Todd McCarthy, MPP for Durham. “Our local growers and grocers contribute greatly to Ontario’s food supply-chain system in partnership with Foodland Ontario, and it’s through this partnership that all Ontarians can rely on healthy food choices, and a reliable and sustainable system for which it is delivered.”
The annual Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards have continued to be the produce industry’s signature opportunity to recognize the creative talent of produce managers and staff for 39 years.
“Congratulations to all the winners of the 2025 Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “Retailers play an important role in supporting Ontario’s local food system by helping shoppers identify and choose fresh Ontario-grown produce. When we choose to purchase what is grown right here at home, we are protecting our province by supporting our farmers, strengthening our economy and ensuring the long-term stability of our food supply.”
This year, the Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards are recognizing 60 grocery stores across the province for their innovative promotion of fresh Ontario-grown produce. These annual awards include four categories of displays that celebrate excellence in retail display and promotion of local produce.
For 49 years, Foodland Ontario has connected with families, helping them recognize, prepare and enjoy locally grown foods. Ontario has one of the widest varieties of farming and food industries in Canada, producing over 200 different agricultural products, including asparagus, berries, tender fruit, apples, greenhouse tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. To know when all your local fruits and vegetables are in season, visit Foodland Ontario’s Availability Guide.
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Douglas Ellis, Executive Assistant
Community Relations & Outreach
Office of the Hon. Todd McCarthy, MPP – Durham
C: 905-697-1501
E: douglas.ellis@pc.ola.org