Made With Local was founded in 2012 by Sheena Russell and Kathy MacDonald who were concerned about the amount of sugar and other highly processed ingredients found in the granola bars and snack foods that were available for their families. They decided to “create a nourishing snack that’s made with real, simple ingredients AND actually tastes amazing”. They began sourcing quality local ingredients from farmers and producers in Atlantic Canada and launched their very first Real Food Bars at the Halifax Seaport Farmers Market in 2012.

As the business began to grow, Made with Local started working with The Flowercart in New Minas to produce their Real Food Bars. The Flowercart Group is a supported workplace program for people with barriers to the mainstream workforce. MwL is now working with another social enterprise, Stone Hearth, the Dartmouth Adult Services Centre in Dartmouth which produces Loaded Oats.

Made With Local has become a nationally distributed and recognized brand of nourishing snack foods that are found at Sobeys, Loblaws, Bulk Barn, Farm Boy, Whole Foods, and at many independent stores across Canada.