Sobeys uses program to identify local food

Sobeys in Camrose, Alta., is testing a way to help consumers identify local foods.

Localize is a shelf sticker for items that rates its locality and has a QR code that customers can scan to find out more, according to an article in the Camrose Canadian.

Products are rated on four criteria: location of production (45 per cent); location of ownership (35 per cent); source of ingredients (20 per cent) and bonus points for local sustainability.

The higher the number, the closer to home the product is deemed.

Edmonton’s Meghan Dear created the project when she saw there was a need to identify local food in supermarkets.

The program was initially launched at the Sherwood Park Sobeys, but now has expanded to some eight other stores.