Legislative Assembly of Ontario Achieves Feast On® Certification, Showcasing a Strong Commitment to Ontario-Grown Food
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Toronto, Ontario — October 20, 2025
The Culinary Tourism Alliance (CTA) is pleased to announce that the Legislative Assembly of Ontario has earned Feast On® certification, which means that all food services at Queen’s Park demonstrate a sustained commitment to sourcing Ontario-grown and -made food and drink.
Feast On® is Canada’s longest-running local food certification for hospitality. To be certified, foodservice operations demonstrate robust, ongoing purchasing from Ontario farmers, producers, and processors, with transparent tracking and continuous improvement.
“We’re proud to champion Ontario growers and makers every day at Queen’s Park. This certification reflects our team’s work to build menus that tell the story of this province’s food,” said Tim Lilleyman, Director of Parliamentary Food Services.
“Having Ontario’s Legislature model local-first dining is a powerful signal,” said Nicole Brown, VP, Operations & Partnerships, Culinary Tourism Alliance. “Feast On® celebrates the people and places behind what’s on your plate. This certification connects policymakers and guests at Queen’s Park with the farms, fisheries, craft beverage makers, and food artisans that power Ontario’s economy.”
What Feast On® Certification Means
Local ingredients first: Menus prioritize Ontario-grown and -made products across proteins, dairy, produce, grains, and beverages.
Traceable purchasing: The Culinary Tourism Alliance tracks and verifies purchases from Ontario suppliers and continually works to strengthen local supply chains.
Seasonality & preservation: Seasonal abundance is showcased; preserved items (e.g., pickled and canned Ontario produce) extend local flavours year-round.
Education & storytelling: On-site signage and menu stories help guests understand where food comes from and why it matters.
Local Sourcing Highlights
Partnerships with Ontario-focused distributors and growers (e.g., 100km Foods, Mighty Harvest) to source produce and pantry staples.
A living herb wall and seasonal preservation program that bring Ontario flavours to the forefront.
Ongoing menu development that identifies local farms and makers where operationally feasible.
Speaker’s Wine Selection is 100% Ontario
Why This Matters
Economic impact: Choosing Ontario-grown food keeps dollars circulating locally, supporting family farms, small producers, and good jobs.
Sustainability: Shorter supply chains can reduce transportation impacts and reinforce seasonal, responsible menu planning.
Food culture: Featuring Ontario ingredients celebrates our province’s diverse culinary heritage and terroir.
See It at Queen’s Park
Guests and delegates will see Feast On® signage and educational posters throughout Food Services. A QR code on signage will link to an information page about Feast On®, Ontario suppliers, and how to find other certified venues across the province.
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About Feast On®, managed by the Culinary Tourism Alliance
The Culinary Tourism Alliance (CTA) advances food tourism by bridging the gap between the food and drink sector and the tourism industry. Feast On® is CTA’s local food certification that recognizes businesses for sourcing Ontario-grown and -made ingredients and telling the stories of the people and places behind them. Learn more at culinarytourismalliance.com/feaston.
About the Legislative Assembly of Ontario Food Services
The Legislative Assembly of Ontario provides onsite food and beverage services for Members of Provincial Parliament, staff, and accredited visitors to Queen’s Park. The team is committed to hospitality excellence, responsible sourcing, and showcasing ingredients from across Ontario.
Media Contacts
Culinary Tourism Alliance (Feast On®)
Nicole Brown, VP, Operations & Partnerships
nicole@culinarytourismalliance.com | (519) 221-2944
Legislative Assembly of Ontario
Tim Lilleyman, Director of Parliamentary Food Services
TLilleyman@ola.org | (647) 354-9720
