The month of May marks the start of the Buy BC: Eat Drink Local dining campaign.

Chefs from over 300 restaurants, in 48 communities, will help educate British Columbians, in the most delicious way, on the positive effects of their choices when they buy B.C. foods and beverages.

“In May, chefs throughout B.C. will use their skills and creativity to highlight the best that B.C. agriculture has to offer,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture. “With options available at many different price points, Buy BC: Eat Drink Local is all about getting British Columbians excited about the products that are being grown and produced in our province.”

The Ministry of Agriculture has partnered with the BC Restaurant and Food Services Association (BCRFA) on the month-long campaign. Restaurants, coffee shops and food trucks have signed up to take part in the made-in-B.C. promotion, aimed at connecting chefs with their local agricultural producers and, in turn, creating delectable dishes that showcase B.C.’s food and beverage offerings to their customers.

“Buy BC: Eat Drink Local is all about celebrating the diversity of B.C.’s local food, drink and seafood products, with each chef giving it their own unique twist,” said Ian Tostenson, president and CEO of the BCRFA. “B.C.’s restaurant industry is excited about this promotion, which is evident by the number of restaurants signed up.”

The goal for the month-long restaurant promotion is to help chefs and farmers make connections, ensuring local B.C. food remains a focus for chefs, restaurants and diners throughout the year, in order to build greater awareness, and demand for local, seasonal and sustainable food and beverages within B.C. 

One of the Ministry of Agriculture’s mandate commitments is to bring back an enhanced Buy BC marketing program to help local producers market their products, and work with local producers to expand market access in the rest of Canada and abroad.

Learn More:

Find participating restaurants online: www.eatdrinklocal.ca

More information about the BCRFSA: http://www.bcrfa.com/

See the Buy BC: Eat Drink Local kick-off news release: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2017AGRI0055-001719