Reducing Food Waste, One Step at a Time

At North Barrie Market, we’re not just here to help you fill your pantry. We want to truly make a difference. That’s why we’re on a mission to make food sustainability a reality.

Central to this mission is our Non-Waste Food Facility initiative, a groundbreaking strategy that goes beyond business as usual. It’s about rethinking how food is sourced, sold, and consumed to minimize waste and support a healthier planet.

What Exactly Is Food Sustainability? 

Think of food sustainability as a way to enjoy great food without harming the planet or running out of resources for future generations. It’s about being mindful and making smart choices about how we grow, transport, and consume food.

Why Food Sustainability Matters

Here’s why food sustainability matters: 

Protect the Planet: By cutting down on waste and conserving resources, we’re helping to reduce pollution and preserve the environment.

Strengthen Communities: Supporting local farmers and reducing waste ensures that food stays where it’s needed most – right here in our community.

Reduce Waste: Believe it or not, a third of all food produced globally gets wasted. Imagine the difference we could make by cutting that down!

Future-Proof Food: With more mouths to feed every year, sustainable practices are key to ensuring everyone has access to fresh, nutritious food.

We’re passionate about food sustainability because it aligns with what we stand for: great food, strong communities, and a healthier future.

What Is a Non-Waste Food Facility?

A non-waste food facility proactively reduces food waste and champions sustainable food practices. 

At North Barrie Market, we’ve embraced this approach by implementing innovative solutions to tackle waste at every stage of the food journey from farm to table.

Here’s how we’re turning the vision of a non-waste food system into a reality:

Our Four Pillars of Sustainability

For us, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword. It’s the foundation of everything we do. Our commitment to reducing waste and creating a healthier food system is guided by four key pillars. These principles shape how we source, sell, and share food, ensuring that every step we take benefits our community and the planet.

Here’s how we’re turning our sustainability goals into action:

1. Supporting Local Farmers

When you shop with us, you’re also supporting local growers and producers. By sourcing locally, we reduce the environmental impact of long-distance transportation and keep our community thriving. 

Plus, locally grown produce just tastes better.

2. Bulk Shopping, Your Way

Buying in bulk isn’t just better for your wallet … it’s better for the planet. 

Bulk shopping minimizes packaging waste and lets you buy only what you need, cutting down on surplus. To make this even easier, we offer reusable containers and bags for your shopping convenience.

3. Turning Scraps Into Something Good

Not everything we sell gets eaten, but that doesn’t mean it’s wasted. Unsold food and scraps are composted on-site, helping us keep organic materials out of landfills. Want to try composting at home? We’ve got tips and resources to get you started.

4. Giving Back to the Community

We believe good food shouldn’t go to waste, especially when so many people need it. That’s why we donate unsold, edible food to local charities and food banks. It’s one more way we’re working to make our community stronger.

A Commitment to a Better Tomorrow

We believe that small changes can lead to big impacts. By shopping with us, you’re not just buying groceries … you’re contributing to a healthier, more sustainable food system. Together, we can minimize waste, support local agriculture, and help those in need while protecting our planet for future generations.

Be Part of the Change

Every time you choose North Barrie Market, you’re joining a movement towards a non-waste food future. Whether you’re filling your cart with fresh, locally sourced produce, stocking up on bulk essentials, or learning to compost, every action you take makes a difference.

How You Can Help Reduce Food Waste

Reducing food waste isn’t just something we do at North Barrie Market – it’s a goal we can all work towards together. Even small changes in your daily habits can make a big impact. Here are some simple yet powerful ways you can help:

1. Shop Local

When you buy locally sourced products, you’re reducing the environmental impact of long-distance transportation and supporting local farmers and producers. Plus, local foods are often fresher, last longer, and taste better, helping you reduce waste at home.

2. Plan Your Meals

Before heading to the store, take a few minutes to plan your meals for the week. Create a shopping list with only what you need, and try to stick to it. This helps prevent overbuying and ensures you use what you purchase.

3. Store Food Properly

Proper storage can make a huge difference in how long your food stays fresh. For example:

• Store fruits and vegetables separately to prevent premature ripening.
• Freeze items like bread, meat, and leftovers to extend their shelf life.
• Use airtight containers to keep dry goods fresh.

4. Get Creative With Leftovers

Leftovers don’t have to be boring! Turn last night’s dinner into a new meal by repurposing ingredients. That roasted chicken could become a delicious soup or salad topper.

5. Buy Only What You Need

Shopping in bulk is great for reducing packaging waste, but be mindful not to overbuy perishable items. At North Barrie Market, you can purchase as much or as little as you need, especially when using our bulk bins.

6. Compost at Home

Not every scrap of food will make it onto your plate, but that doesn’t mean it has to go to waste. Start a compost pile or use a composting bin to turn food scraps into nutrient-rich soil for your garden.

7. Donate What You Can

If you find yourself with excess non-perishable food, consider donating it to a local food bank or community fridge. It’s an easy way to help others while preventing waste.

8. Learn About Expiry Dates

Did you know many “best before” dates are more about quality than safety? Use your senses—smell, look, and taste—to determine if food is still good. This simple step can save perfectly edible items from the trash.

Be Part of The Non-Waste Movement

Reducing food waste is more than just a trend—it’s a responsibility we all share. At North Barrie Market, we’re proud to lead the way with our Non-Waste Food Facility initiative, but the journey doesn’t stop with us. By working together, we can create a food system that values every ingredient, supports local farmers, strengthens our community, and protects the planet for generations to come.