Buying local food is an important topic relevant to the sustainability of our environments, local economies and neighbourhoods. This project is rooted in the idea that consumers have the power to change our food system by changing the way they shop at the grocery store. Transparency within the food system is the first step in mobilizing people to change their consumer habits. The more information the consumer has, the more ready they are to make the right choice. This proposed system provides the consumer with information on three different levels, allowing them to make the decision that best suits their lifestyle.
The infographic acts as a point of entry to the system. It provides consumers with basic knowledge about the seasonality of their food and the distance it travels to get from field to store. This infographic also includes an analysis of the updated labeling system. All the information displayed in the infographic is based on data and statistics for Canadian and Ontario produce.
The updated signage clearly distinguishes between conventional, local and organic produce. It also features a seasonality icon which reiterates the information about seasonality shown in the infographic in order to create a stronger relationship between the specific product and its seasonality.
Labels provide the consumer with a wide range of information including carbon efficiency, harvest date and harvest location. The labels provide the consumer with relevant data and connects them to the their community and the source of their food.
