Sustainability
Good for the planet is good for the soul
History of Sustainability
Sustainability has been part of Askew's Foods since the beginning. Our history includes operating a local meat plant, which allowed us to source meat directly from regional farms and reduce transportation costs and environmental impact.
Today, we continue this tradition by prioritizing local suppliers and sustainable practices throughout our operations. We believe that supporting local food systems is not only good for the environment but also ensures fresher, higher-quality products for our customers.
Local Suppliers
Bakery
Valley View Bakery
Armstrong, BC
Fresh-baked breads and pastries using traditional methods.
Dairy
Riverside Dairy
Salmon Arm, BC
Local dairy farm providing fresh milk, cream, and artisanal cheeses.
Meat Products
Shuswap Meat & Sausage
Salmon Arm, BC
Local family-owned butcher providing premium cuts and house-made sausages.
Heritage Farms
Vernon, BC
Grass-fed beef and free-range poultry from ethical family farms.
Produce
Okanagan Organics
Vernon, BC
Certified organic fruits and vegetables grown in the Okanagan Valley.
Visit Website →Shuswap Berry Farm
Tappen, BC
Fresh berries and preserves made from locally grown fruit.
Mountain View Gardens
Enderby, BC
Seasonal vegetables and herbs grown using sustainable practices.
Seafood
Lakeside Fishery
Salmon Arm, BC
Fresh fish caught from Shuswap Lake and surrounding waters.
Specialty Foods
Thompson Valley Honey
Kamloops, BC
Raw, unpasteurized honey from local beekeepers.
Wildflower Apiary
Sicamous, BC
Small-batch honey and beeswax products from local hives.
Recycling & Waste Reduction
Cardboard Reuse
We've long practiced reusing cardboard boxes from liquor stores for customer packaging. This simple but effective practice reduces waste and keeps materials in use longer.
Comprehensive Recycling
All our stores participate in comprehensive recycling programs, ensuring that cardboard, plastic, and other materials are properly sorted and recycled whenever possible.
Heat Recovery & Green Building
Heat Recovery System
Our stores utilize heat recovery systems that capture waste heat from refrigeration and cooling systems, using it to heat the store. This reduces energy consumption and lowers our carbon footprint.
BC Hydro Partnership
We've partnered with BC Hydro on grants for new store construction, incorporating energy-efficient designs and sustainable building practices.
Stormwater Retention
Our newer stores feature stormwater retention systems that manage runoff sustainably, protecting local waterways and reducing environmental impact.
Reusable Bags
We encourage customers to bring reusable bags and offer durable options for purchase, reducing single-use plastic waste.
Looking Ahead
As we continue to grow, we remain committed to sustainable practices. This includes building stores located close to where residents live, reducing the need for long car trips, and continuing to prioritize local suppliers who share our commitment to environmental stewardship.