The Middlesex Centre Pollinator Team has truly shined in supporting our local food system.
Their journey began in 2019, driven by the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge, a pledge made to show Middlesex Centre’s commitment to champion the care of our native pollinators. Through their dedicated work, they have created a positive impact in the London-Middlesex community, centred around education and the nurturing of natural pollinator habitats.
They’ve set out to achieve three overarching goals.
1. To grow and share native plants from seed that support pollinators.
2. To promote the wellbeing and flourishing of pollinators.
3. To educate the community about the web of interdependence within our ecosystem between us, native plants, and native pollinators, emphasising how our support can pave the way for a better environment now and in the future.
To achieve these goals and engage the community in their mission, they have established many different programs such as selling pollinator plants at the Komoka Community Market in the summer and having annual compost sales. They also partner with many community organizations to host educational events on a variety of different topics. Visit their website pollinatorteam.com to find a variety of resources, including where you can buy native plants near you and how you can create a pollinator garden of your own! There you will also find a list of upcoming events to join.
The Middlesex Centre Pollinator team has been doing an amazing job of not only creating a healthier food system for now, but one that is strong and sustainable for the future. We are excited to see what else they have in store!
On The Move Organics, founded in 2008 by Jeff Pastorius, is on a mission to rebuild Ontario’s local food system by connecting with local farmers. Starting with bike deliveries in the Old East Village, the company expanded to offer groceries and delivery vehicles as demand grew.
non-carbon delivery options like bike deliveries and electric alternatives, and improve efficiency in their warehouse to reduce food waste and environmental impact. With a dedicated focus on locality and community outreach, On The Move Organics aims to make positive strides in the food system for years to come. Check out On The Move Organics’ website for more information: 
The London Food Co-op, a member-owned grocery store, has been supplying affordable, ethically sourced, and Fair Trade products to London families since 1970. For over half a century, it has prioritized local, organic foods, and originated as a buying club for those keen to know where their food comes from. Today, it remains committed to these principles, supporting local farms and small businesses in Ontario, offering everything from organic meat to maple syrup.
The Co-op is planning to host a variety of community events in the future such as urban gardening workshops and hopes to introduce a teaching kitchen for cooking demonstrations. As a community-based, not-for-profit grocery store, the London Food Co-op fosters consumer-producer relationships, prioritizing people’s needs over corporate profits. This not only allows shoppers to feel good about their groceries, but also promotes health and sustainability. Visit them at 621 Princess Avenue and experience first-hand how the London Food Co-op is not just a store, but a movement, nurturing a healthier, more sustainable, and more connected community one grocery trip at a time.
