ICYMI: SkipTheDishes release year-end report, controversy at Ontario pig farm, and more

Here are five stories you might have missed in food news this week

SkipTheDishes released its annual end-of-year report this week, and unsurprisingly, takeout and delivery sales have seen a significant spike since the onset of COVID-19. Other interesting statistics include Canada’s favourite cuisine, the country’s largest single order, and how the pandemic has impacted current food trends. 

In other news, CBC B.C. celebrated its 24th Food Bank Day this week, and although the fundraising festivities were forced to take a digital twist, the campaign was able to raise an impressive approximate amount of $725,000 for food banks in need.

Finally, a pig farming facility in Ontario has come under intense scrutiny over the past week after a former employee revealed undercover footage depicting the farm’s alleged animal abuse and neglect. While the allegations are certainly concerning in and of themselves, some suggest the country’s current lack of proactive provincial policies is the real problem.

SkipTheDishes reveals 2020 statistics

Food delivery app SkipTheDishes released its annual year-end report this week, and among the many interesting statistics it revealed were Canada’s three most ordered dishes (Asian cuisine, pizza, hamburgers), what types of cuisine were most popular in each province, and how COVID-19 has impacted new food trends. 

Head to The Canadian for a full breakdown on the annual report.

CBC B.C.’s Food Bank Day raises over $700,000

CBC B.C.’s annual Food Bank Day took place this week, and while the fundraising festivities took on a bit of a twist this year, the campaign was able to raise roughly $725,000 for Food Banks B.C.

Since its inaugural event in 1986, the annual Food Bank Day initiative has raised more than $10 million for food banks in need. Donations are still currently being accepted

New hydroponic container could mean fresh food year-round for northern communities

A new community initiative got underway in Quebec this week after The Pirursiivik Project provided a hydroponic container to the community of Inukjuak, who hope to use the refitted container to help isolated, subarctic areas grow fresh fruits and vegetables year-round.

Karin Kettler, the head of the project, says the container has the capacity to grow the same volume of produce as five acres of traditional farmland. 

Head to CTV News for more.

Kawartha Dairy ice cream recalled

A popular Ontario ice cream maker issued a mass recall this week over concerns that there could be small pieces of metal in its Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Mint Chip flavours. After the Canadian Food Inspection Agency conducted its preliminary investigation, it listed the 1.5 litre and 11.4 litre sizes as being potentially problematic. 

Visit The Star for more information. 

Undercover footage of Ontario pig farm allegedly exposes animal abuse and neglect

A pig farming facility in Putnam, Ontario has been the source of a great deal of controversy over the past week after an employee revealed undercover footage to CTV depicting the farm's alleged animal abuse and neglect. 

Although CTV has corroborated the allegations to some extent, Paragon Farms has since released a statement that no material concerns had been identified by their internal investigations.  

Find the full breakdown at CTV News

Undercover footage of Ontario pig farm allegedly exposes animal abuse and neglect

A pig farming facility in Putnam, Ontario has been the source of a great deal of controversy over the past week after an employee revealed undercover footage to CTV of the farm's alleged animal abuse and neglect. 

Although CTV has corroborated the allegations to some extent, Paragon Farms subsequently released a statement that no material concerns had been identified. CTV also explains that because there are no proactive monitoring or inspection policies in place, filing a complaint is the only way to trigger a provincial inspection.

Read the full story at CTV News.