“Think globally – act locally.” For some, that’s a cliché. For Jeff Pastorius, it’s a maxim that he applies to his life, and his business. While pursuing an education in International and Comparative Studies, Jeff “started to recognize that not only is food distribution a major issue for developing nations… it’s becoming an international crisis.”
He has translated thought into action, and his enterprise offers Londoners the opportunity to put their own beliefs into practice.
On any Saturday morning at the Western Fair Farmers Market, Jeff can be found at On the Move Organics, where a growing number of customers have discovered they can find quality local produce and products that are produced sustainably and delivered with a low carbon footprint. You might find yourself being served by Jeff’s sister, Jennifer. She and their mother, Jeannette Pastorius, support Jeff in the business.
Photo: Kelly Hunt
At the market stall, you can find a range of items to fill fridge and pantry, including flour, grains and cereals from the famed Arva Flour Mill; greens, seedlings and sprouts from Slegers Greenhouses in Strathroy (my favourite is the living basil – with the root ball attached, a large bunch sits on the counter, always fresh and ready for use, even in the dead of winter); beautiful garlic from Dresden (just stop buying that garlic from China!);honey; dairy products; breads and much, much more. Of his sources, says Jeff, “the priority for me is supporting local (as local as I can), independent, and certified organic.” He also considers how interested the producers are in supporting local food politics, and of course, the quality of their product.
On the Move Organics began as a delivery service, bringing food boxes to the front door. Taking a stall at the market has made the food accessible to a much wider population, as has his presence at the Masonville farmers market (Fridays from May to October). But delivery service continues in Woodfield and Old East, with plans for expansion this year to Old North and more. When weather permits, deliveries are made by custom-built bicycle trailers – the ultimate in healthy, sustainable living, for both business and customer!
It all comes back to philosophy, and practicing what you believe in. “In London… we don’t have the capacity to take all the food that’s being grown around here and bring it into the city.” Instead, we buy food that is distributed by large businesses, and sold through “big box” stores. Those locally grown apples have often traveled from here to Toronto and back. “Our food infrastructure… is almost nonexistent,” he declares. With regret, Jeff remarks on the great quantities of quality food that originate in this region, but that end up on distant tables. “I see a large need to organize and distribute local, organic [food].”
As part of the business plan, On the Move Organics now has a retail space and warehousing facilities in south London. Jeff is now able to serve customers with a storefront that offers everything available at the markets, as well as a number of items that he is unable to stock in the smaller space of a market stall. The premises were formerly home to The Fire Roasted Coffee Company. When Dave Cook moved his roastery to the Western Fair Farmers Market, Jeff was able to take advantage of much-needed space. Dave wanted to be sure that his customers in the area continued to enjoy the service on which he built his business, so his fresh-roasted, Fair Trade Certified coffees are still available at this location.
As Jeff’s business grows, so does community participation in a movement that only a few years ago was unknown to many. “Fresh,” “local,” “organic,” “sustainable” and “seasonal” are now part of the common lexicon. More and more of us, culturally and economically diverse, are changing the ways in which we consider the food in our lives, from shopping to cooking to consumption.
And there’s more to it, suggests Jeff. “There is an argument to be made that it’s more social; it actually increases the quality of life.” At a large supermarket, “you are just making purchases.” But when shopping locally, whether at a small shop, at a market, or at the farm gate, “you’re engaging…with your social environment.” Six degrees of separation are reduced to one. You have conversations with neighbours, make new acquaintances, enjoy new experiences. It’s not just food that keeps us healthy.
Jeff doesn’t do sound bytes. But here’s a good phrase: “This is about farms, this is about politics, this is about community as much as it is about business and making a living. These are all very important factors, and they all interact with each other.”
Food for thought, indeed.
On the Move Organics
3392 Wonderland Road (between Southdale and Wharncliffe)
Building 7, Unit 6
519-719-7675
onthemoveorganics@gmail.com
http://onthemoveorganics.ca/index.html
Store Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 10 – 6
Wednesday, Thursday: 10 – 4
Western Fair Farmers Market: Saturday: 7 – 3
Masonville Farmers Market: Friday, May to October