Windsor, ON – Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island launched the W.E. Heart Local Digital Passport, a program that provides locals and visitors alike the opportunity to learn more about the growing agri-tourism scene in the region, and support local while doing so at www.weheartlocal.ca.
The digital passport will guide you through the entire region with all the steps to help you create a locally-sourced meal – or purchase one created using locally-sourced ingredients. The 70+ stops include: farms with roadside stands; craft beverage producers; shops, markets and butchers brimming with local produce; restaurants that are sourcing all their ingredients locally.
“Our destination has a much celebrated history with food. By having one of the longest growing seasons in Canada, we are truly blessed with a diverse offering of produce, alongside meat, honey, wine and beer” said Gordon Orr, CEO Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island. “Everyday, our farmers and producers provide authentic, tasty ingredients to locals and visitors alike. With the launch of our digital W.E. Heart Local digital passport, consumers can go on a unique journey through Windsor Essex, tasting the best of what we have to offer.”
The digital passport is free and requires no download to use. Once users have registered they can check in at one of the 70+ participating locations while they take a self-guided tour across the region. And the more they explore the more exclusive offers and incentives they will receive including recipes, reusable produce bags, a barbeque paddle & W.E. Heart Local cap.
“The Essex County Federation of Agriculture is excited to partner on the 7th edition of the W.E. Heart Local campaign. This partnership with Tourism Windsor Essex and sponsorship from Libro Credit Union has produced a new, exciting resource for consumers to find farmers who grow locally and businesses who use these wonderful, fresh, and quality products” said Leo Guilbeault, President Essex County Federation of Agriculture. “Our vision to connect consumers and farmers has developed into a new and exciting digital format. This Passport gives all the details to plan a visit to the county and enjoy our plentiful products grown and produced locally.”
Joining forces with Tourism Windsor Essex and ECFA in this program is a strategic community alliance with Libro Credit Union.
“Libro Credit Union has been a longtime supporter of ECFA and the W.E. Heart Local map and it is wonderful to see how the program has evolved and grown over the years. Libro has a 75+ year history of supporting our local farmers and agricultural community” said Lori Atkinson, Regional Manager Libro Credit Union. “We actively advocate for local food accessibility and the improvement of food systems to increase local food for all. We regularly support programs promoting local and sustainable agriculture, community gardens & farmers markets, local food sector initiatives, food processing and distribution projects throughout southwestern Ontario. Supporting the W.E. Heart Local initiative naturally aligns with our mission to promote local agriculture. Libro is truly Loyal2Local!”
