Campaign encourages local dining

A month-long campaign promoting local food and beverages is coming to the Okanagan.

The eat drink local program, designed by the B.C. Restaurant and Food Services Association will showcase local restaurants, ranging from family dining to fine dining to cafes, pubs, hotels and catering companies.

The timing of the month-long festival will be announced at a later date.

The eat drink local program will also promote local foods through a website, which will include restaurant and chef profiles, trends and tips on local ingredients being harvested and served in B.C.

There will also be a directory by region and city of local places to eat and drink.

“Working with restaurateurs creates an exciting platform for innovation with local products and will get residents and visitors alike engaged with local food and drink,” said Ian Tostenson, president and CEO of the B.C. Restaurant and Food Association. “An exciting opportunity to drive business for British Columbia restaurants of all kinds, this investment offers a real boost to our B.C. economy.”

The ministry of agriculture is contributing $225,000 to the province-wide program.

“B.C. restaurants are one of the reasons people are excited about living and visiting here,” said Kelowna-Lake Country MLA Norm Letnick, minister of agriculture. “The eat drink local program will help continue to build on the connections and passion British Columbians have for foods, and help locals and tourists alike identify and enjoy local foods and beverages.”