Where I love to Grocery Shop as a Sarnia-Lambton dietitian
For many of us, grocery shopping is considered a chore and going to the closest supermarket makes it easier. You roll your cart down the big aisles, crossing everything you need for the week off your list. Music drones overheard as you shop under bright fluorescent lights silently cursing everyone else in the store. It usually is not the most enjoyable experience.
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I want to change that. Sarnia-Lambton is full of wonderful stores that can make shopping for food an enjoyable experiences. I created this list to share with you some of my favourite places in the area that offer local foods, remind you where your food comes from and encourage you to try something new.
Sarnia Farmer’s Market
The OG. Going to the Sarnia Farmer’s Market with my Mom growing up influenced my love and appreciation for food. Nostalgia aside, this is one of the best places in town to purchase your groceries. The market offers a variety of produce, meats, fish, eggs, dairy, bread, honey, prepared foods, coffee, and beer. It is truly a one-stop-shop. My market tour usually includes homemade pasta from Alfredo’s Pasta Boutique, fresh fish from Purdy’s (Saturdays only), bacon from Weiland Meats for brunches and produce from the multiple vendors available.
Of course, no trip to the market is complete without a box of spring rolls, which I will then eat immediately in the car before leaving. To top it all off, most of the produce at the market is available at a cheaper cost than what you would buy at the grocery store. Need I say more for a visit?
If you are interested, check out the market on Wednesday & Saturday mornings. Note that the Wednesday market has fewer vendors but is usually less busy. I also suggest going earlier in the morning on Saturdays, as it can get quite busy.
Location & Hours
110 Proctor St,
Sarnia, ON
Wednesday & Saturdays: 7:00am - 1:00pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/SarniaFarmersMarket/
Great Lakes Refill
I was ecstatic when Great Lakes Refill opened in town. I wasn't living in the area at the time, but I would pack all my jars for refills when I visited home because I would be making a visit. Why do I love this store? First, the fundamentals of a refill shop promote less waste and more intentional buying, which I think we all could be better at doing. Second, you are more likely to save money upfront while also saving down the road by minimizing food waste when purchasing bulk.
You will have no problem stocking your pantry with spices, flours, nuts, beans, lentils, legumes, oils, different kinds of vinegar, baking powder, cornstarch, candies, coffee, grains and rice. I also love picking up sustainable kitchen items such as beeswax wraps and reusable coffee filters.
If a refill shop is new to you, don't let that deter you from visiting. The staff are all so welcoming and will help you navigate this wonderful shop! You can also order online for pick-up and delivery.
Location & Hours
454 Christina St North,
Sarnia, Ontario
Tuesday - Friday: 10:00am-6:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday & Monday: Closed
Website: https://www.greatlakesrefillcompany.ca
Macklin’s Farm Produce
Nestled in the middle of the city, Macklin’s is a family-owned farm that produces various fruit and vegetables over the growing season, literally defining farm-to-table. To check what is available for purchase, you can go to their website where they provide a handy list of what is ready, not ready, or already finished for the season.
You can also pick your produce, such as strawberries and raspberries. This can be a fun activity to help you connect with friends, as well as a teaching opportunity for your family to help better understand the process of getting food to the kitchen table.
Macklin’s is totally worth a stop whenever you are driving down Lakeshore.
Location & Hours
2155 Lakeshore Rd
Sarnia, ON
Open Daily with varying hours depending on the month
Check out website for full details
Website: http://www.macklinsfarm.com
Green’s Canteen
The Green’s Canteen recently opened in downtown Sarnia, and it should be your go-to spot for all things vegetarian and vegan. I’ve said this once, but I will say it again. You do not have to be vegan to enjoy vegan products! In fact, we would all be doing the planet and our health a favour by including more vegetarian and vegan meals in our diet. Green’s Canteen is a great place to start if you are looking to have more vegan foods in your diet, as they offer a variety of products that will help make that transition easier. Products like:
Vegan mayonnaise, an easy substitute
Walnut meat which is great for taco Tuesday
Cashew-based “cheese” spreads, a charcuterie board staple
Soy-based chicken tenders
Locally made Kombucha Hound for probiotic needs.
They have also a beautiful restaurant inside, which means you can enjoy a delicious plant-based lunch before grabbing your groceries
Location & Hours
196 Christina Street, North
Sarnia, ON
Tuesday - Saturday: 11:00am-8:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am - 5:00pm
Monday: Closed
Website: https://www.greenscafe.ca
This isn't even beginning to scratch the surface, where should I add to my list?