A Comox Valley/Powell River business that encourages locals to buy local got a large boost of encouragement Tuesday.
Sunshine Organics received a grant of $100,000 from the B.C. government presented by Comox Valley MLA Don McRae to promote local agriculture and connect the consumer with producers.
"It's a buy local campaign and we're trying to maki it as wide-reaching as possible," owner Melissa Call explained to media.
She began the fresh, organic home delivery service in Powell River in 2002 and in the Comox Valley in 2004.
"The money will be used for the campaign for promoting coastal-grown products," she added.
Sunshine Organics strives to provide each community with fresh, healthy and convenient food by delivering high-quality organic produce directly to customers' homes or businesses.
The company also promotes a healthy relationship with the environment through education, information and support of local growers in sustainable organic agriculture.
"Consumers might not know how to access local goods other than the Farmers' Market — this gives them another way to shop for local goods," noted partner Rachel Mooney. "It's a full store online and (customers) can look at what they want or they can get the bins full of produce based seasonally.
"It's a store ... that connects the consumer with local products," Mooney added.
Call said they have around 80 customers each in the two communities, and are looking to grow thanks to the grant.
Sunshine Organics works with a variety of local growers, including Pattison Farms, Merville Organics, Comox Church Street Baker and the Royston Roasting Company.
Judi Tyabji, president of Pebble in the Pond Environmental Society in Powell River, attended Tuesday's announcement.
For more information or to subscribe to their bin service, visit SunshineOrganics.ca.
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