With Thanksgiving a day away, Canadians are being encouraged to support local farmers by choosing locally-produced foods and wines to grace their tables.

A recent poll conducted by BMO showed 86% of Canadians felt it is important that they purchase Canadian-produced food.

"Thanksgiving provides us with a great opportunity to give thanks for family, good friends and the harvest, and to show our appreciation for the hard work and dedication of our local farmers," said BMO spokesman David Rinneard. "By filling your holiday table with superb locally grown and locally produced food and wines, you can help support and sustain the fabric of Canada's rural economy."

According to BMO, more than 500 turkey farmers produce, on average, 164 million kg of turkey worth more than $388 million annually.

This year marks the fourth consecutive year that the Turkey Farmers of Canada has partnered with Food Banks Canada to raise money for rural food banks. Last week, TFC chairman Mark Davies presented a $50,000 donation to Katharine Schmidt, the executive director of Food Banks Canada.

The history of Thanksgiving in Canada dates back to the 1600s in New France when explorer Samuel de Champlain and early settlers celebrated their successful harvests. Many of the holiday foods we enjoy today are the same as those originally grown and harvested by Aboriginal peoples in North America including corn, pumpkins, squash and cranberries.