For Immediate Release
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 |
For More Information:
Katie Gray
Supervisor, Public Relations
(416) 392-5941 |
TAKING A STAND FOR LOCAL PRODUCE
Wednesday, August 27, 2008, Toronto, Ontario: Toronto Zoo and the Ontario government's Foodland Ontario program partnered this summer to open a fruit and vegetable stand at the Toronto Zoo featuring locally grown seasonal produce. This initiative, which supports local Ontario farmers and encourages Ontarians to make healthy food choices, was launched August 6th and will run until September 1st.
"We are proud to show our support of local Ontario farmers and we feel this is added value and another great addition to the many sustainable initiatives we currently have in place here at the Zoo," says Shanna Young, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications, Toronto Zoo.
"We want to thank the Toronto Zoo for their support of our efforts to promote and sell food produced in Ontario," said Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Leona Dombrowsky. "As everyone knows, buying local is good for consumers, good for farmers, good for the economy, and good for the environment."
The fruit and vegetable stand, which has been well received by Zoo visitors, includes whole peaches, parfait cups of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, shaker cups of carrots, celery and red peppers, as well as 32oz bowls of fresh cut melon and sliced apples.
The response of this initiative has been very positive and the Toronto Zoo and Foodland Ontario look forward to continuing to showcase local seasonal produce next summer.
Foodland Ontario is a consumer promotion program of the Ontario government. Managed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, this program is aimed at promoting foods grown in Ontario.
ABOUT TORONTO ZOO
The Toronto Zoo is Canada's premier zoo known for its interactive education and conservation activities. As a unique wildlife experience, we inspire people to live in ways that promote the well being of the natural world.
For more information, visit torontozoo.com or contact Katie Gray,
Supervisor Public Relations, at 416-392-5941.
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Current Zoo Hours and Admission Prices.
Current Zoo Hours- 9:30 am to 7:30 pm. Last admissions one hour before closing. General Admission 13-64 incl. is $20, Children 3 and under are free, Children 4-12 are $12 and Seniors 65+ are $14. Parking is $8. Events and admission prices are subject to change without notice. The Zoo is located at Meadowvale Road and Hwy. 401, Exit 389 east and west bound. For general information, call (416) 392-5929. The Toronto Zoo is open year round (except December 25th). torontozoo.com
