As a local business in Calgary since 1977, we believe strongly in supporting local producers, manufacturers, and non-profits as a benefit to the local economy and to our planet. We currently have over 1000 Alberta made products listed and we’re always open for more.

Here’s why we believe it’s important to shop local:

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Local says it all – your food isn’t travelling far to get to your plate, which means it uses less gas and energy to get to its destination. Local was defined by the 2008 US Farm Act as locally produced agricultural food product that is marketed less than 400 miles from its origin. Because Calgary can’t grow certain crops like peaches and apples, Community Natural Foods includes interior BC and Okanagan as part of our local Family Farms. This includes some of our long standing partnerships with farms like Secrest Farms in Oliver, BC and Zebroff Farms in Similkameen Valley, BC. We have so many great local Alberta grocery suppliers, including Rosso Coffee, Swarf Stars, Happy Belly beverages and Honest Dumplings. 

 Support Your Local Economy (or Farmer)

According to The City of Calgary, Small businesses make up more than sixty per cent of the retail sector in Calgary. Local businesses generate about four times more economic activity than larger corporations. And support for local businesses means support for local jobs. $58 of every $100 earned goes back into our local community, whereas on $25 of every $100 of national  corporations. When the New Economics Foundation compared buying produce at a big box store to buying at a local farmers market, CSA or local grocery store, they found that two times the amount of money stayed in the community when they bought local ingredients. 

When it comes to local produce, it just tastes better and is fresher! We launched CNF Family Farms to showcase the organic farmers that we work with…some that have been with us since we opened our doors 40+ years ago!When you see the CNF Family Farms logo you’ll know that the produce is:

Family farm direct
Local and organic
That the farmer relationships often span decades
And that our produce manager Frank Sarro does annual farm visits


Local Produce is Fresher and Nutrient Dense

Because the produce is picked when ripe, you are getting a far more fresh piece of produce! When you purchase conventional produce from the US or Mexico, it is often picked before fully ripened so that by the time it arrives on shelves, it is closer to its ripened state (and often times, this means it’s been sprayed with herbicides to either quicken or slow down the ripening process).  Local produce is picked when ripe, which means that it retains its full nutrient and vitamin content.

Shop for Produce in Season

Eating in harmony with the cycles of nature connects us more deeply to the earth, which in turn, may help us get in touch with ourselves and our natural rhythms. It also opens the door to a different way of eating that could result in you eating a wider variety of foods! In the winter we look for hearty foods (like stews with Poplar Bluff potatoes) to keep us warm through the -40 days, whereas in the summer we look for refreshing foods, like Mans cucumbers and melons, to keep us cool.

 When have you the choice, choose local. Shop our Alberta made products here