It’s an important time as ever to support our local businesses.
Canadian Women in Food (CWIF) knows this, and to prepare for the holiday season, they launched gift baskets made with products from 30 local female food entrepreneurs — with 10% of the proceeds going to Building Roots to support emergency food programs.
“We wanted to highlight the incredible spirit of female food entrepreneurs and show how food can bring people together in a meaningful way,” shared Andrea Watson, CWIF brand ambassador.
CWIF was founded in 2014 as a national association to help amplify the voices of female food entrepreneurs and to promote a more inclusive space for all women in food. The association works to promote women-owned businesses, to cultivate the positive energy that comes from women supporting women, and to stir up the spirit of female food entrepreneurs by creating opportunities for economic growth.
“In the face of an unprecedented lockdown, and without access to sell through proper channels, small business owners are vulnerable to the financial impact of a stocked inventory and no feasible platforms to sell on,” explains Cheryl Appleton, Founder of CWIF. “We’re really proud to see our members push through this and find ways to innovate and collaborate.”
The ‘Gifts of Goodness’ baskets feature a wide array of gourmet products—all from locally-owned female-led food businesses—including wine, olive oil, artisan chocolates, sauces, cookies, tapenade, maple roasted nuts, vegan cheeses, olives, wholesome baking mixes, jellies, dips, baked goods, teas, grains, fresh fruits, veggies and more.
Fusion Fit Foods, founded by Janelle Jordan in Toronto, is one of the businesses featured in the baskets, with Janelle’s Caribbean-spiced organic dark chocolate protein bites.
“Engaging in acts of service to help our local neighbours is the essence of community,” shared Janelle, “so taking part in the Gifts of Goodness initiative is important — not only to contribute towards Building Roots’ mission to improve food access and food security, but also as a way to connect with local individuals and families, through food, during what may be an isolating or challenging time as we approach the holidays amid the pandemic.”
Stay tuned on the CWIF website for future ingenious initiatives from Canadian Women in Food: https://www.canadianwomeninfood.ca/. Ordering for this holiday basket is now over, as they will be busy assembling and delivering baskets throughout December, but stay tuned as they hope to run a similar program in the Spring ahead of Mother’s Day. (CWIF is also always looking to engage with female food entrepreneurs so get in touch if you’re interested.)
You can also follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Whether it’s a locally-inspired gift basket or anything else locally-produced, this December we encourage you all to make a special effort to support the local businesses that have enriched your communities.