SAULT STE. MARIE -- The Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN) is hoping a new contest will get people to experience, shop and taste what the Algoma region has to offer. 

"So we created this local food adventure for people and it’s called the Local Food Trail," said Jessica Cherry with RAIN.

The organization is hosting a “Buy Algoma, Buy Local” contest with 60 different restaurants, stores, farmer’ markets, cafes and farm-gates across the Algoma region taking part.

The goal is to get people to see what the region has to offer. 

"We’re encouraging people to kind of get out and experience different areas of the Algoma region. So from Wawa all the way to Algoma Mills," said Cherry. 

"We want people to get out, go taste locally inspired dishes at restaurants and cafés, shop for local produce at farm gates, farmer markets and retailers. And then also get out and experience farm tours, winery and also breweries they can go for tasting as well."

When you shop at the participating locations, RAIN wants people to take a picture, submitted it online at www.buyalgoma.ca and if you collect enough photos you will be entered into different draws. 

The prizes include $400 to your favourite restaurant, $450 to your favourite farmer’s market, farm-gates or farm, a 2021 Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) share from a local farm, for a 16 week supply of fresh vegetables, and a private winery or brewery tour.

The Local Food Trail runs until the end of September.