Lori Stahlbrand has found a way to link those who want to eat healthy food produced locally with those who can provide it.

She is the co-founder and president of Local Food plus (LFC), a non-profit organization bringing farmers and consumers together to share the benefits of environmentally and socially responsible food production.

In February, she received a Woman of the Earth Award in Montreal from the Yves Rocher Foundation in recognition of her contribution to local food and environmental sustainability in Canada.

At the Canadian Environment Awards in Toronto on June 2, Local Foods Plus was acknowledged with a gold award in the Sustainable Living category for its work in the certification and promotion of locally produced food.

Lori Stahlbrand is a familiar name to many. She worked for CBC Radio until 1997 on Radio Noon. Sometimes she read the national news and subbed for Andy Barrie on Metro Morning. LFC began in the basement of her Beach home, and a year ago moved to an office at 1965 Queen St. E.. About a dozen people are involved in the operation, seven of them full time. It receives funding through grants from groups such as the Trillium Foundation.

“We are in a food crisis,” said Stahlbrand, “and we are losing the ability to feed ourselves. Not only is our farmland being paved over, we are now dependent on food from abroad. In an emergency we cannot rely on imports. Toronto only has a three day supply of food."

“Why,” for instance, she asked, “are we buying apples and strawberries from abroad when we produce our own locally?"

For Stahlbrand, “locally” means in Ontario.

As well as bringing food producers and consumers together, Local Foods Plus runs a certification program. It focuses on sustainable production and minimal use of pesticides, hormones and fertilizers; humane care for animals; safe conditions for farm workers, protection of wildlife habitat; and energy and water conservation.

So far, over 70 Ontario farms and food processors have been certified. Purchases of their produce include the University of Toronto which is committed to buying 15% of its food from LFP-certified suppliers.

Recently a local health food store, Wholesome Foods at 2234 Queen St. E., began stocking items supplied by LFP members, including milk, yogurt, vegetables, canned tomatoes, pasta sauces, rice, grains, flour, and beauty and body care products.

It is more expensive to eat food with the Local Food Plus certification?

“It may cost a little more,” says Lori Stahlbrand, “but it’s fresh and healthier food. It tastes better, and we are supporting our own farmers. Here in Canada and in America we have the cheapest food in the world: we spend only 10% of our budget on food. In Europe they spend 15-20% and in some parts of the world it’s 70%."

For more information on Local Foods Plus go to www.LocalFoodPlus@ca. Contact Lori Stahlbrand at Lori@LocalFoodPlus.ca or call 416-699-6070 ext.222.