A focus session, or "masterclass on fair food advocacy", found participants lacked knowledge around foods that were locally grown or produced and in turn limited them from choosing to buy local.

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Healthy Cities Illawarra spokeswoman Berbel Franse is part of a push for food retailers to join the Love Local campaign and use labelling to promote where produce comes from, in turn supporting local farmers and businesses.

"On one side we see a growing interest to support local businesses and initiatives [due to the pandemic]," Ms Franse said.

"It's perfect timing for our campaign, assisting people to turn that interest into actions.

"On the flipside, a portion of our community has been significantly impacted by COVID-19 and find themselves in a food insecure situation for the first time and not able to buy sufficient food [due to financial strain]."

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She said buying locally helped the local economy and created more jobs. Consumers would also have better quality seasonal produce, and it was better for the environment.

Ms Franse said people would be surprised by just how many producers around the region could stock your fridge and pantry.

Launched this week, Thirroul IGA, The Port Grocer in Kembla and The Flame Tree Co-Op at Thirroul have joined the Love Local campaign, with more signing up.

Products include cheese from The Pines Kiama, eggs from Kangaroo Valley and milk from South Coast Dairy.

A directory on where to find coffee roasters, brewers, butchers, community gardens, fruit and vegetable growers, Indigenous foods, farmers markets and more is listed on the Food Fairness Illawarra website.

The Love Local campaign extends to retailers also in the Wingecaribee region, with Food Fairness Illawarra providing labelling cards and liaising with managers on how to better promote local businesses.

https://foodfairnessillawarra.org.au/