The initiative is led by Healthy Loddon Campaspe coordinator Alicia O’Brien in partnership with the Victorian Government and Regional Partnerships Loddon Campaspe.
Ms O’Brien said the ‘Support Our Own. Choose Locally Grown’ campaign aimed to encourage the community to purchase and eat locally grown fruit and vegetables.
“There is a huge variety of produce grown within the Loddon Campaspe region for the community to choose from including apples, avocados, oranges, pears, potatoes, tomatoes and leafy greens,” Ms O’Brien said.
“Our region has a wide selection to choose from, as well as a wide selection of places to buy locally grown.”
Echuca business The Pear Tree offers the freshest local fruit and vegetables along with a range of other organic products.
Employees Sophie Fenn and Tanya Horne said they were proud to support the campaign.
“Being part of ‘Support Our Own. Choose Locally Grown’ ensures small independent grocers and farmers have a bright future,” Ms Fenn said.
“We always look forward to helping our customers with specific items.”
Support our own: The Pear Tree has lots to offer.
Photo by
Michael Lloyd
Ms Horne said The Pear Tree prided itself on its local associations.
“The Pear Tree works with suppliers, and we ensure that we have a great range of the highest quality of fruit and vegetables,” Ms Horne said.
“We sell a range of high-quality, fresh food that is available year-round.
“The campaign also aims to increase community knowledge around healthy food, and how simple it is to eat and cook with locally grown fruit and vegetables.”
The Support Our Own. Choose Locally Grown campaign focuses on the main benefits of locally grown fruit and veg including:
• It’s good for our health;
• Food is fresher and has less distance to travel;
• You will enjoy eating with the seasons;
• Local growers, stores, and our local economy benefit; and
• It’s readily available and accessible across our region.
“Fresh is best,” Ms Horne said.
Further information at www.healthyloddoncampaspe.au/chooselocallygrown
The website provides information about local growers, retailers and farmers markets that grow and sell locally grown produce.
It also contains details on in-season fruit and vegetables and recipes using locally grown produce.