When we think about shopping locally at the neighbourhood grocer, it鈥檚 easy to chalk it up to veggies, summer berries and fall apples. But the delicious reality is that when your grocer values the importance of supporting local farmers and producers, it鈥檚 actually pretty easy to 鈥渟hop locally鈥� throughout the store!

Shoppers at the Otter Co-op grocery stores are likely familiar with the produce department stands that share what鈥檚 local for the day, and which farm it came from.

But as you browse the aisles, you can also keep your eye open to stickers and shelf tags highlighting a whole host of other local items, from Twisted Cowboy beef jerky, from Chilliwack, to all-natural BC Buzz Honey from 91原创 Township, fresh-made jam to hot sauce, notes Darren Glencross, Otter Co-op鈥檚 Food & Hospitality Division Manager.

鈥淲e put a lot of focus on local products,鈥� Glencross notes. 鈥淎s a co-op, we need to support other local businesses.鈥�

He points to farmers who buy their fuel or feed from Otter Co-op as the ideal example. When it comes time to buy their farm-produced products, Co-op is at the front of the line.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a symbiotic relationship,鈥� Glencross reflects. 鈥淚f they thrive, we thrive.鈥�

Some, like Birchwood Dairy Farm, are right across the road, while others come from a little farther, like tasty Natural Pastures cheeses, Island Farms ice cream, and Phillips Brewing鈥檚 non-alcoholic beer line, Iota, all from Vancouver Island.

While supporting local growers and producers is part of Otter Co-op鈥檚 DNA, it鈥檚 also important to shoppers. 鈥淚t鈥檚 very important to our customers. We often get a higher demand for local products,鈥� Glencross says.

It鈥檚 not only about neighbours supporting neighbours, although that鈥檚 part of it. Shorter transportation needs can mean fresher products, with a lower carbon footprint than those trucked from farther away. And 鈥榣ocal鈥� doesn鈥檛 need to cost more 鈥� Glencross points to a two-kilogram back of Hunky Bills perogies, straight from 91原创, for just $5.

They鈥檝e also partnered with the University of the Fraser Valley on a vertical growing initiative that鈥檚 produce gorgeous 鈥� and delicious 鈥� living lettuce at a great price.

鈥淗ere at Otter we take pride in being able to support local producers and we know our guests appreciate it as well. It鈥檚 great to be able to feature local products in our store and know that we are benefiting our own community by doing so,鈥� says Glenn Chisholm, 91原创 Food Store Manager. 鈥淥ne guest favourite is Houwling鈥檚 Lettuce. It鈥檚 sold living and looks amazing!鈥�

Stay up-to-date with all the latest local products with Otter Co-op鈥檚 and pages.

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While you certainly don鈥檛 need to shop with Otter Co-op, it definitely brings rewards! For just $10 for a , use your Co-op number when purchasing gas, fuel, groceries, liquor, agriculture supplies and more, then once a year, you鈥檒l receive cash back and equity, based on your annual purchases.

Learn more today at or stop by your local store.