Culinary Tourism Alliance Receives Funding from Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness to Boost its Feast On® Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Toronto, ON – October 9, 2024 – The Culinary Tourism Alliance is thrilled to announce that it has received over $150,000 from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness to enhance its renowned Feast On® program. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Feast On® is a unique initiative dedicated to promoting Ontario’s world-class agri-food products by showcasing restaurants and experiences that use Ontario-grown, raised, and processed products.
With over 160 businesses proudly holding a Feast On® certification, the program has become a cornerstone for promoting the rich tapestry of Ontario’s culinary landscape. By committing to local ingredients year-round, these establishments offer both locals and tourists a taste of the province’s diverse and vibrant food culture.
“We applaud the Culinary Tourism Alliance for this exceptional program. It is another example of how Ontario ingenuity and inter-connectivity is linking local consumers with world-class Ontario food products,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “Increasing the production and consumption of local food is a key goal of our bold 10-year Grow Ontario Strategy, and the Culinary Tourism Alliance’s Feast On program is helping achieve that important objective.”
Provincial funding will play a pivotal role in Feast On®’s continued success. This support will enable the Culinary Tourism Alliance to facilitate a series of networking sessions across Ontario, creating valuable opportunities for chefs and farmers to connect and collaborate. The goal is to increase the number of certified businesses, further enriching the province's culinary scene and expanding the reach of the Feast On® program.
In addition to these networking sessions, the funding will also bolster marketing efforts to reinforce consumer awareness and engagement with Feast On®. By highlighting program participants, the Culinary Tourism Alliance aims to inspire more people to explore and support Ontario’s vibrant restaurant scene through local food.
“Receiving this funding from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness is a tremendous boost for the Feast On® program,” said Rebecca Mackenzie, President & CEO at the Culinary Tourism Alliance. “It reaffirms our commitment to celebrating and promoting Ontario’s exceptional food offerings. We are excited to use these resources to foster deeper connections between our talented chefs and Ontario’s dedicated farmers, and to share the incredible tastes and flavours of our growing province with more people.”
The Feast On® program’s ongoing success is a testament to the collective efforts of the restaurants, farmers, and food and drink producers who champion the best of Ontario’s culinary heritage. With this new support, the Culinary Tourism Alliance is poised to elevate these efforts even further, reinforcing Ontario’s position as a premier destination for local, authentic food experiences.
For more information about the Feast On® program and to discover participating businesses, please visit ontarioculinary.com or contact communications@culinarytourismalliance.com.
About Culinary Tourism Alliance
The Culinary Tourism Alliance is a leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the culinary tourism experience in Ontario and Canada. Through initiatives like Feast On®, the Alliance supports and promotes local food systems, celebrates regional culinary traditions, and connects travelers with authentic, high-quality food experiences across the province.
Media Contact:
Rebecca Mackenzie
President & CEO
Culinary Tourism Alliance
(613) 471-0102
rebecca@culinarytourismalliance.com
ontarioculinary.com and culinarytourismalliance.com
