Burnaby businesses get boost from province's Buy Local Program
$155,000 split among four emerging food producers
For Burnaby farmer Julia Smith, it's all about local.
"It really is a passion for us," she said. "We're local to a fault."
That's why her company, Urban Digs Farm was one of four to receive funding from the province as part of its Buy Local Program.
Richard Lee, MLA for Burnaby-North, made the announcement at Smith's farm Monday.
Smith received the $26,000 last year, at the same time the company purchased a new butcher shop.
"It was really well-timed, because our overhead went through the roof."
The mother of two teenagers only began Urban Digs Farm five years ago and has no plans of slowing down.
Not just farmers supported
Tulsi Dhir, represents Jiva Organics, which received $95,000.
The company produces organic specialty food items such as nut butters, granola and salsa.
And they do it all locally, right in Burnaby.
"We do see ourselves expanding and hiring new employees," Dhir said.
NutraEx Foods, that produces artificial sugars, received $24,000. Chai Chics Meals produces Middle Eastern frozen dishes and received $9,100.
The Buy Local Program was created by the province in 2012 and has so far given $8 million to local initiatives.
It aims to support food supply security in B.C. by helping farmers and food processors who have a local focus.