The summer months are bursting with local produce from ample farm stands that dot the County’s countryside. Unfortunately, sometimes it’s hard to make it there. Locals and tourists alike inevitably head to the grocery store to stock their pantries. Luckily, some franchisee’s, like Jamie and Mary Clare Yeo, believe so much in the greatness of Prince Edward County agriculture, that they ensure their store carries farm-stand local freshness, alongside necessary kitchen essentials. 

First franchised by the Yeo’s ten years ago as an IGA, they have seen the face of the County change, especially the push to support local food. Immediately struck by the strong sense of community upon moving to the County from Peterborough, the Yeo’s sought to emulate the support for local business they saw around them, and began partnering with local farms. In the beginning one or two items in the store were sourced locally; today, year-round and seasonal partnerships with over ten local farms, and five “from away” contributors (from Belleville to BobCaygeon) contribute to the abundance of local goods available to shoppers. Much to Jamie Yeo’s delight, the majority of people will choose local produce over imported. He explains that even when faced with brand name, less-expensive products like maple syrup, most customers still purchase local Fosterholm Farms syrup – a popular item at Picton Sobeys. In fact, Yeo has had to form partnerships only with farms able to keep up with demand and deliver the amount of product he needs – a whopping $162,000 was sold in County products alone at the Picton Sobeys in 2010. The level of grassroots support that Jamie and Mary Clare embody is infectious in their partners. “There’s a real sense of community here,” reflects Yeo. In fact, it’s not uncommon for local suppliers to call him and recommend another farm if they don’t have the quantity or quality that he’s looking for.

Recently, Picton Sobey’s attempted their first ‘tasting’ of some of the County products featured in their store. Brad Lynd from County Roasters served freshly roasted County coffee, while Cherryvale Organic Farm gave customers great recipe ideas for using their local, organic spelt flour — customers can expect to see more of this in the future. The Yeo’s believe their passion and commitment to promoting local food has had a direct result on the success of their store – it’s clear that they care about the products they’re promoting, and value the relationships behind them.

 
To see what’s in stock at Picton Sobey’s visit them at 97 Main St., Picton, Ontario.