Read Laura’s letter to the fisherman who caught her dinner.

Dear Jean-Guy,

Unless you count those breaded sticks in the back of our freezer, we don’t eat much fish. I would blame my seafood-sensitive husband, but the fault probably rests more on my shoulders. Apart from my favourite shrimp and scallop dish, I just don’t love the taste or the texture of fish. And don’t even get me started on trying to feed fish to a picky toddler!

Still, I have been striving to feed my family real food, healthy food. I want to introduce my children to new food experiences and I want them to enjoy the benefits of nutrient-rich food.

In our house, eating is an experience that stretches far beyond the borders of the plate. I like buying food with a story. I love that I can start with a simple ingredient and narrate a beautiful conclusion by the time I place a meal in front of my family.

Bringing story-telling food to the table requires a personal beginning. We know the name of the farmers who grow our tomatoes. We know orchards where we can pick apples and fields where we can chose a pumpkin. And now we have the opportunity to find out who caught our fish through Sobeys Traceable Seafood program.

The curry haddock that I made on Friday night wouldn’t have a story without you, Jean-Guy D’Entremont. You’re the one who caught our fish in Nova Scotian waters on your boat Over Spray. Thanks to you, the fish I fed my family was both local and personal.

You are in a family business. You started fishing with your Dad and continue to work with members of your family. I am in the business of family, too. Here is where our real connection lies—not in the fish that you caught and I cooked, but rather in the way it feeds both of our families. You fish so that you can provide for your family. I bought your fish while providing for mine.

I want to thank you for how you have contributed to my family. My family was served a delicious meal that told a story. That is the type of meal I want to make.

Sincerely,

Laura and the O’Rourke clan