Buy Local

takes on a life of its own

Health & Fitness

(continued)

The 'buy local' food movement has taken on a life of its own.

People are now concerned about where their food is actually coming from, what goes into the growing of it, what are the environmental impacts ... all these and more questions are now being asked by consumers.

Southampton in Saugeen Shores is one of those communities on the shore of Lake Huron that has become committed to taking on the 'buy local' concept .

The local grocer, Harrigan's Red & White, on the main street (High St.), has seemingly been there forever. It's one of those old fashioned grocers where the owner, Mary Ellen Harrigan, knows everyone. It has never been a big, fancy grocery store but, instead, has all the atmosphere of yesteryear's general store.
 

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21/04/2009 11:32 PM

 It's that old-fashioned appeal that the owner, and the entire community, is banking on.

Tired from its 100-plus years of operation, the store needed a face-lift ... and face-lift it got, as more than 60 volunteers turned out day after day to lend their skills in painting, carpentry, design, moving product and any other task that was needed.

Today, Harrigan's Red & White, is a vision of an old-fashioned 'buy local' grocery store. Where there was once metal shelving, there are hand-crafted wooden shelves with wicker baskets holding fresh, locally grown vegetables. The hardwood floors that have withstood the steps of time have been refinished and antique cabinets now house local fresh maple syrup, jams and jellies. Everywhere, there are signs of a bygone era ... original signs that, in their time, were the only form of advertising.

"I can hardly wait for the real growing season," says Mary Ellen Harrigan. "We have local Ontario producers lined up who are as excited as we are. Everything is going to be fresh, home-grown with flavour and a lot of it will be organic as well. Of course, we'll still carry the fresh-baked butter tarts that everyone loves!"

Harrigan, known for her catering, has been carrying on amidst the sometimes confusion of the renovation. With the help of friends like Chantry Breezes B&B owner, Jenny Amy, the catering for events and functions has continued. "It's always been a big part of the business," Harrigan say, "and it will continue to be."

There will be a grand opening coming up but not until everything is exactly as Harrigan wants it.
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