Get ready for summer with VG Meats

Between the May long weekend, these gorgeous late spring days, the delicious Ontario produce we’ve been enjoying lately and plenty of home-cooked meals cooked on the BBQ, it’s beginning to feel a lot like summer here in southern Ontario. June is just days away and by this time next month, we’ll be enjoying the Canada Day long weekend. There’s a lot going on in the interim—here are a few tips and reminders to help you get ready for summer. We hope to see you in Simcoe or Stoney Creek soon!

School lunches: you’re in the final stretch

Parents and other caregivers, this tip is for you. The task of making school lunches can feel never-ending, but the finish line is finally in sight. Most schools in Ontario finish the academic year around June 28th, which means you’ve only got four more weeks to go…unless, of course, your kids are going to day camp and need lunches made all summer, too. (In that case, “never-ending” may actually be true.)

In any case, we’ve got some ideas for anyone who’s feeling burnt out or tired of making the same old, same old things.

• Tortilla roll-ups made with our high quality deli meats (more options are available in store)
• A bento box filled with delicious local cheese, crackers, fresh fruit and sliced smoked meats (basically: charcuterie for kids)
• Little VGs mild pepperettes with sliced veggies and dip, an apple, a cup of yogurt and a granola bar (another snackable lunch that’s a hit with kids)
• Pulled BBQ chicken in a bun (it’s delicious hot, but also good in a cold sandwich)
• A thermos full of homestyle chili with some bread on the side
• A thermos of Greek yogurt with containers of Bayfield Provisions granola and fresh berries on the side (please note that this granola contains nuts, so it’s not appropriate for elementary school lunches)
• Chicken salad sandwiches, egg salad sandwiches or wraps made with leftover chicken, pork, steak or our gluten-free chicken tenders

We are also big fans of leftovers for lunch around here. If you have a good thermos, just about anything can be sent for lunch the next day!

Father’s Day is coming up fast

This year, Father’s Day falls on Sunday, June 16th. If you’re shopping for a gift for your dad, grandpa, the father of your kids or another important man in your life, consider a VG Meats gift card. We’ll also be sharing Father’s Day meal ideas on the blog next week—whether Dad loves steak, burgers, smoked meat or a classic roast dinner, we’ve got you covered!

Baseball season, BBQs and backyard dinners

As June continues to roll on, make the most of it by cooking outdoors as often as possible. There are plenty of excuses to grill—when hosting friends and family, having a backyard dinner with your partner and/or kids, while watching the baseball game (or NHL playoffs!) or just because you feel like it. Stock up your fridge and freezer, because grilling season is in full swing and you don’t want to be unprepared when a burger craving strikes! Not to mention picking up some of your family’s BBQ favourites for those upcoming cottage weekends, camping trips and more. ‘Tis the season, after all, and we’re here for it.

That’s it for now—we hope to see you soon! Remember, if you can’t make it to our Stoney Creek or Simcoe retail locations in person, we offer home delivery to many nearby communities. Place your order at VGFarmToCity.ca and please let us know if you need any assistance. Thanks for shopping local and supporting regenerative food, and cheers to summer—it’s almost here!