The Power of Supporting Local

SK Made: Why Supporting Local Matters in 2025

Let’s be real—2025 has us all thinking a little more about where our dollars are going, and side-eying our grocery bills like never before. If you’ve noticed your shopping cart getting pricier while your bags seem lighter, you’re not alone. Food costs are climbing, and the forecast? More of the same. The good news is—the future of food is right here at home. Let’s talk about why eating local is the sweetest choice you can make in uncertain times. 

RISING FOOD COSTS ACROSS SASKATCHEWAN AND CANADA

You’re not imagining it—grocery prices have been creeping up for a while now, and 2025 is keeping the trend alive thanks to a perfect storm of inflation, supply chain disruptions, and tariffs that make imported goods even pricier. With political developments shaking up the trade landscape between the United States and Canada, we can expect food prices and availability will be affected, which could mean even higher costs for anything that isn’t sourced close to home.

6 REASONS SHOPPING LOCAL IS A SMART MOVE

If big grocery store prices are making you cringe, local shopping is the way to go for more reasons than just saving cash: 

1. Price stability. Local farmers don’t play the same high-stakes game as big international suppliers. We aren’t caught in global market drama, so our prices stay more consistent with fewer surprises.
2. Freshness. Local is the freshest, plain and simple. Kitako Lake Honey goes from hive to jar with barely a pit stop. That means more flavour, more nutrients, and none of that bland “been-in-the-back-of-a-truck” vibe you get from some imports.
3. Keep your money in SK. Make sure your money doesn’t buzz away to far-off places. By choosing local honey, produce, or meats, you’re helping your neighbours, creating jobs, and keeping our province thriving. Now that’s sweet!
4. Lower environmental impact. Less travel means fewer emissions. Kitako Lake Honey doesn’t need a passport or a cross-continental flight to reach you in Canada. It’s local, pure, and low-carbon. 
5. Community resilience. A strong local food network protects us from global disruptions. When you buy from Saskatchewan producers, you’re creating a safety net. That means fewer worries when the world gets a little chaotic.
6. Unique and seasonal finds. Farmers’ markets and local stores are packed with goodies you won’t find in the big-box aisles. Think unique honey flavours (like my personal favorite, wildflower honey), heirloom veggies, and other gems that keep your kitchen exciting.

HOW TO MAKE LOCAL SHOPPING PART OF YOUR ROUTINE

Not sure where to start? Here are some easy ways to make buying local a habit:

• Hit the Farmers’ Markets. Saskatchewan has plenty of farmers' markets with fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and more. Talk to your neighbours or get online and find the one nearest you. Get out there and meet the people growing your food! Kitako Lake Honey got its start at Farmer’s Markets and you can still find us at various local market events all over Saskatchewan. 

• Join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). Find a CSA near you and sign up to recieve a weekly or bi-weekly box of fresh, seasonal produce straight from local farms. It’s a great way to eat healthier while supporting local growers. Check out Meadow Lane CSA on instagram @meadowlane_farm. 

• Shop at Co-ops and small local retailers. Shop at places that focus on local products and support regional producers, like The Wandering Market or Sask Made Marketplace. Visit our Store Locator for a complete list of 100 Saskatchewan retailers that carry Kitako Lake Honey and other great local products. 

• Dine at restaurants that source locally. Many cafes and restaurants prioritize Saskatchewan-grown ingredients. Some of our favourites are Five Corners Coffee and Saltine Baking Co. Supporting them means helping keep the local food movement alive. 

• Look for "Made in Saskatchewan" labels. Whether it’s honey, dairy, or grains, checking labels is a simple way to prioritize local products even at larger retailers.
  
  

THE OLD FASHIONED WAY HAS NEVER BEEN THIS COOL

For most of human history, food was a product of the land around us. People ate what was available and produced nearby—the old fashioned way of eating. Then came the global trade boom, and suddenly our food was traveling the world and losing its connection to the land or people that grew it.

IN UNCERTAIN TIMES, LOCAL HONEY IS BEST

In a world full of uncertainty, it feels good to know exactly where your food is coming from, and to build relationships with the people that produce it. Let’s bring our eating back to the old-fashioned way; skip the stuff from halfway around the world, and put our money where it will strengthen local resilience. Why not start with a little local honey in your next cup of tea?