Trent Food Services staff were recently named champions of Chartwells “Be a Local Hero” competition, taking first place in the “Eat Locally Grown” category for their locally-sourced dinner menu using Traynor Farms beef, Trent Market Garden vegetables and Hard Winter bread.

As a winning campus, Trent Food Services received $500 to become a Local Hero for a charity in the community. They chose to donate their winnings to Brock Street Mission, a shelter for homeless men that operates in conjunction with Cameron House, a shelter for homeless women over 24.

“Much like this is a story behind every meal, behind every person there is a story. On behalf of Trent Food Services, we would like to donate our $500 to Brock Street Mission because we recognize the amazing work they do, including feeding people in need – and we’re passionate about food and feeding people,” said Christopher Ennew, Trent Food Services executive chef, during the cheque presentation on February 14, 2018. “We hope this money can continue to help you make a difference and thank you for all that you do for our community.”

The Chartwells “Be a Local Hero” competition connected enthusiastic Food Services staff, students and Trent as a whole, with local food and ingredients, tasking them with being creative to promote locally grown or produced foods through delicious recipes, engaging activities and student involvement. Some of the local promotions they executed included a local hot apple cider bar, “guess the weight” of the local pumpkin, salad bars featuring Trent Market Garden produce, local candy apples, apple crisp and apple stands, as well as a variety of sampling events featuring ingredients from Trent Market Garden and Martins’ Farm.

“Eating local is more than just food; it’s about supporting the community, reducing our environmental impact, trying new products and creating new relationships between our guests and vendors,” says chef Ennew. “Trent Food Service is proud to say we offer local food and ingredients on our campus for everyone to enjoy.”