TORONTO ─ This Saturday, as Canadians celebrate another long weekend, Canada’s food bounty will be highlighted through Food Day Canada.
Started in 2003 as a way to show of support for Canada’s beef farmers during the BSE crisis, the day was dubbed “The World’s Longest Barbecue.” Over the years, chefs have joined the party as ambassadors for Canadian food and it continues to grow. The celebration is held the first Saturday in August, with this year’s Food Day celebrated on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020.
Food Day Canada is a chance for all Canadians to enjoy the wealth of food and give thanks to our farmers and fishers, our chefs and researchers, our home cooks and more. Canadians are encouraged to share their food and their stories ─ in person and online using a variety of social-media tools ─ while leading other nations in cultural diversity, food ethics and flavours. The only requirement is to use and promote Canadian cuisine and ingredients.
As a volunteer movement, the more partners and channels that participate, the larger the reach and the impact.
In 2018, the executive team at the CN Tower lit the CN Tower red and white and that idea exploded in 2019 with the theme, “Shine a light on Canadian cuisine,” prompting Canadian icons from coast to coast to follow suit.
Social media is the key tool for engagement, with the event hashtag #FoodDayCanada trending number-1 across Canada and regionally in the past. Chefs, farmers and other food-system leaders will be taking over Instagram leading up to the date. Organizers are urging the foodservice community and consumers to use and share with #FoodDayCanada @FoodDayCanada
