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Premier McGuinty hopes an Ontario apple a day will keep recession away

April 8, 2009 – The premier is defending a 24-million investment over three years to help make Ontario-farmed foods available in more jails, schools and hospitals.

The premier is defending a $24-million investment over three years to help make Ontario-farmed foods available in more jails, schools and hospitals.

He says that, in the past, provincial institutions have opted to buy whatever was easiest to get.

Now that the province is in the midst of a crippling recession, McGuinty says it's important to understand that buying Ontario apples, potatoes and lamb will help the economy.

He says he's not taking aim at items like B.C. apples but simply wants to move his province's produce to forefront, just like the province did with Ontario wines.

And while he concedes it's difficult to get Ontario fruit in the winter and acknowledges some contracts may end up being more expensive, McGuinty says there are opportunities to promote homegrown product everywhere food is served.