The New Farm’s Grow for the Stop event has won the regional Premier’s award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence.
The award was presented to New Farm owners Gillian Flies and Brent Preston by Cambridge MPP Kathryn McGarry at a ceremony in Cambridge on Nov. 9.
The Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence recognizes and celebrates the agri-food producers, processors, organizations and rural communities, who through their innovative ideas and projects are helping strengthen our communities, support a sustainable environment, create jobs and boost our economy.
Since 2007, The New Farm has been helping low-income families get fresh, healthy produce.
Each year, this certified organic vegetable farm outside Creemore organizes a fundraising dinner and concert to support The Stop Community Food Centre.
The event attracts hundreds of people keen to hear artists like The Tragically Hip and Sam Roberts Band and munch on food from top chefs like Jamie Kennedy.
The New Farm has raised more than $150,000, money The Stop uses to buy fresh organic food from small- and medium-sized Ontario farmers. The New Farm also launched a “Grow for The Stop” retail brand. Consumers pay a premium for the veggies, supporting local growers and The Stop with every purchase.