Good things grow in Ontario. And the second annual Conscious Food Festival, happening this weekend at Fort York, is celebrating just that. In the midst of barbecues and beer festivals, this unique event champions healthy, sustainable food while emphasizing the importance of supporting local farms.
“Consumer demand over the past 50 years has just asked for cheaper food. People don’t realize the crap that can be in it,” says the festival’s co-founder Scott Rondeau. He and partner Emma Brown hope to educate people on how to buy better quality food.
Drawing a connection between the planet and our plates, the festival also aims to teach consumers about exactly what to look for to shop sustainably. Using scallops as an example, Rondeau says, “You should look for diver scallops. That means the diver went down and picked the scallops, instead of getting them by a drag net, which scrapes the bottom of the ocean and kills other fish.”
Open to all ages, the festival will include over 20 chefs serving different types of organic and sustainable foods like ice cream, burgers and vegetarian poutine. Parents can enjoy local wine, beer and even vodka while kids roll their own oats at the Real Food for Real Kids zone. There will be two stages with live music and chef competitions judged by the attendees.
Festival tickets cost $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Some profits go to supporting Local Food Plus and Everdale Farms. Leftover food will be sent to Second Harvest.
The Conscious Food Festival, August 13-14, Fort York.
