Home Grown Options: Where to Get Local Produce for School Lunches

Kids are now back at school, and top of mind for many parents is the challenge of providing
healthy, nutritious, tasty lunches and snacks for their little learners. Luckily, London and its
surrounding region are home to an abundance of local produce vendors that provide fresh,
flavourful fruits, vegetables, and other tasty things year-round. There is no shortage of options
when it comes to where to shop. In fact, the variety of choices can be a bit overwhelming! That’s
why we’ve selected a handful of our favourite local places to get your hands on amazing local
produce. Unfortunately, we can’t list everywhere, so we have focused on highlighting local
vendors that provide excellent selection and value, so you can keep your hungry students from
pre-school to high school well fuelled!

1. Covent Garden Market
Covent Garden Market is conveniently located in downtown London right across from
Budweiser Gardens. It has indoor produce vendors that are open year-round and features
outdoor stalls in the summer and fall months. While prices might not be as affordable at the
Market as some of the other locations featured below, you will find unmatched selection at this
bustling and well-organized hub at the heart of the city. You can also grab a bite to eat from one
of the numerous restaurants that operate within the Market and check out other locally produced
gifts and items as well!

2. Western Fair Market
One of the highlights of London’s Old East Village is the Western Fair Market. Conveniently
situated on Dundas Street between Adelaide Street and Highbury Avenue, the market operates
on weekends year-round and is home to a solid selection of local vendors. You can find staples
from Ontario here such as apples, blueberries, peppers, carrots, potatoes, and a whole host of
other nutritious foods! In addition to the local produce vendors, the Western Fair Market also
features a number of local meat, cheese, and fish vendors, not to mention local artisans. There
is truly something for everyone!

3. Howe’s Produce
This local produce vendor and bakery is located on Highbury Avenue south of London, just
north of St. Thomas. The family-run market operates in the spring, summer, and fall months.
They have a good variety of locally grown produce, especially in the summer months, and
plenty of tasty jams and sauces available as well. It may be hard to focus on healthy options
though as the enticing smells of the in-house bakery’s pies, cookies, dessert loaves, and tarts
waft throughout the store!

4. Trails End Market Farmer’s Market
Trails End is a unique farmer’s market located a few minutes to the east of London on Dundas
Street past Veterans Memorial Parkway. The market features a variety of vendors offering fresh
locally grown produce from across southwestern Ontario, as well as local meats and cheeses.
The market also houses vendors selling furniture, housewares, and jewellery, so it might just be
your one-stop shop for a Saturday afternoon of shopping!

The availability of local produce is certainly one of the best parts of living in and around London,
Ontario. If you are looking to find a home in London or the surrounding area, don’t hesitate to
reach out to Daniel Kiekens at dan@dkre.ca. As a licensed real estate professional,
Daniel can help you find your perfect home within easy reach of a variety of great local produce
shops!