KAWARTHA LAKES: The proceeds from KLFS Salsa are invested into the operating expenses of Kawartha Lakes Food Source, such as rent, allowing them to continue to deliver food access and food literacy programs within the City of Kawartha Lakes.
Back in early 2020, KLFS put an online poll out to the community, asking people what type of KLFS food product they would be most interested in purchasing. Salsa won by a landslide, with over 70 percent of respondents choosing it over alternative options.
Over the course of 2020, KLFS worked quietly on product ideation, recipe development, marketing assessments, and regulatory compliance. The final recipe was developed in collaboration with George Brown College’s Food Innovation and Research Studio. The Salsa was produced by KLFS staff and volunteers, alongside the knowledgeable employees of the Ontario Agri-Food Venture Centre.
To date, they have produced over 6,000 jars of Salsa which have been on local store shelves for one year. Original retail locations continue to include Reid’s Valu-Mart, Farmer’s Butcher Shop, Mariposa Woolen Mill, Fresh FueLL and Burns Bulk Food, with an additional seven locations including: Bigley’s Shoes and Clothing (Bobcaygeon), Craftworks and Antiques at the Barn (Fowlers Corner), Living Local Marketplace and The Food Shop (Peterborough), Sobeys Fenelon Falls, Foodland – Coboconk, Foodland – Havelock, and The Kawartha Living Store (Bethany). Salsa will also be available for sale at assorted events, such as farmers’ markets, so keep your eye on KLFS’ social media for these pop-up purchasing opportunities.
“Our hope is that this social enterprise will help KLFS be financially resilient, in the midst of any future economic uncertainty,” said Heather Kirby, Executive Director at the Kawartha Lakes Food Source. “The project will be an ongoing, self-sustaining source of revenue [which] complements our regular fundraising efforts. Diversifying our streams of income is a priority for our team, as a way of mitigating risk and ensuring we can always be relied on by our member agencies and our community, during times of need.”
“We were honoured to be the 2021 Social Innovation Award of Excellence winner, from the Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce. We’re confident our Salsa will leave a good taste in your mouth and a good feeling in your heart,” concluded Ms. Kirby.
For more information about KLFS Salsa or the organization, please visit our website, at:
www.kawarthalakesfoodsource.com, or call 705-324-0707.