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Local Independent Food Producers

February 5, 2026

A smiling woman holds two full cartons of ripe Tayberries for sale in front of the Compost Education Centre farm stand.

Now more than ever it is important that we support local and independently owned food producers on the South Island. We made a list of some stores you can support. We are so fortunate to live somewhere with lots of local food producers and a mild climate that allows us to grow year-round!

Local & Independent Grocers

  • Zero Waste Emporium
  • The General Store
  • Fernwood General Store
  • Fairway Markets
  • Urban Grocer
  • The Market Stores
  • Red Barn Market
  • Masala Mart
  • Damascus Food Market
  • Lifestyles Market
  • Old Farm Market
  • Mexican House of Spice
  • The Market Garden
  • …and many more!

Local Grocery Boxes

  • South Island Farm Hub
  • BCause Grocery Boxes
  • Good Food Box

Buy Farm Direct

Sign up for a CSA box with a local farm or buy from them at a farmers’ market. Find local farms at islandfarmfresh.com or on Farm Folk City Folk

Do-it-yourself

Did you know that you can grow your own food year-round on the South Island? Learn where to start with a gardening workshop at the Compost Education Centre. Get Growing Victoria! distributes free seedlings in the spring and summer. Learn about growing and caring for fruit trees with Lifecycles.

You are not alone.

No matter how you choose to start supporting local, independent food producers, remember that we are all in it together. The more of us who support local producers, the strong our food system will be in the future. Start small and go from there.

Posted in Announcement, Blog, Civic Engagement, Food Security