meet the seasons team

Rachelle Rocha and Laurie Pennell are seasoned pharmacists with over 30 years of experience in managing and operating pharmacies across Ontario. In 2019, they founded Seasons Pharmacy and Culinaria, a unique fusion of traditional pharmacy expertise and the healing power of food. Their approach explores how combining personalized medication advice with the art of home cooking can optimize health and well-being, offering a holistic path to wellness for their community.

  • Food has always been at the heart of my life—growing it, preparing it from scratch, and sharing it with others. For most of my adult life, I’ve tended gardens and cooked meals that reflect the seasons. When I travel, I seek out local pharmacies, farms, farmers’ markets, and the best "from scratch" restaurants. Through this journey, I’ve learned that the most flavorful and nutritious food isn’t found in the grocery store; it’s grown close to home.

    My interest in food led me to explore permaculture and the slow food movement, and soon after, I started farming. Our family farm produces pastured hogs, turkeys, chickens, ducks, honey, and a variety of fruits and vegetables, all grown with a focus on polyculture.

    Over a decade ago, I watched Robert Lustig’s powerful presentation, “Sugar: The Bitter Truth.” Since then, I’ve seen more and more evidence about the harmful impact of processed foods, especially those high in sugar and low in fiber, as well as the chemicals in the food chain that negatively affect our health.

    With 30 years of experience as a pharmacist, I bring specialized knowledge of medication and addiction. But my journey also led me to become a food enthusiast and advocate. Laurie and I have visited pharmacies around the world in search of a practice that embraced a food-first approach to health. To our surprise, we found none. Now, we are thrilled to offer this innovative, holistic approach to health and wellness, where food and medicine work together to empower and heal.

  • As pharmacists, we are taught to include lifestyle changes in our discussions with patients. These include diet and exercise. Yet, if diet is so important, why do most pharmacies sell so many products that we know to be unhealthy?

    For at least 25 years, I worked with Rachelle, where she often shared her farming story, and exposed me to the many resources that subsequently inspired the creation of Seasons Pharmacy and Culinaria. Rachelle’s energy, enthusiasm, and passion for quality local food, and its influence on health are contagious.

    For me, the journey took a personal turn when I earnestly began to practice what I learned and preached. I gave up sugar, all 17 kinds of sugar. I eliminated all the processed food and chemicals that I could, especially sulfites and nitrites. I focused on sleep habits. Implementing these changes, although simple, was not easy. It made a huge difference in my life. Of course, I lost weight, but more importantly, I felt better; my skin, sleep patterns, breathing, mood, hormone balance all improved. I was just better. No one is perfect, I am still trying to live these principles every day. Working in such a peer supported environment gives me confidence to continue to make healthy choices for myself, and to encourage and assist others.

    At Seasons Pharmacy and Culinaria, the kitchen and the pharmacy dispensary are both equally prominent, reiterating that both are equally important to your health and wellbeing. The store intentionally creates the feeling of sitting in someone’s kitchen, where all important conversations really take place, over a cup of tea. We strive to inspire people to commit to making one little change, starting today.

  • Coming Soon

  • Meet Chef Gaëtanne Larocque, affectionately known as Mama G, a culinary maestro whose journey in the foodservice industry spans 27 years. Since 2018, Sudbury has been more than a location for her – it's her family's town and a vibrant source of inspiration for her culinary creations.

    Chef Gates believes in the transformative power of quality ingredients, understanding that the location and origin of food play pivotal roles in elevating every dish. Her culinary philosophy revolves around "making memories one bite at a time," a mantra that has become the cornerstone of her illustrious career.

    Dedicating her expertise to Camp Maple Leaf, Chef Gates has been instrumental in curating unforgettable dining experiences for campers, creating a tapestry of memories through the art of food.

    In a move to amplify the rich culinary tapestry of Sudbury, Chef Gates has taken the spotlight with her own local Eastlink cable television show. This show not only showcases the

    talents of local farmers, foragers, and artisans but also underscores her commitment to promoting and supporting the region's culinary treasures.

    Chef Gates is not just a culinary artist; she is a champion of sustainability, quality, and education. Her optimism for the future of Canadian farming is matched only by her passion for educating children about the importance of conscious eating. Through her work, she seeks to instill in the next generation an awareness of what and where to eat, nurturing a community that values the connection between food, local producers, and the environment.

    Join Chef Gates on a journey where every dish tells a story, and every bite is an opportunity to create cherished memories. Seasons Pharmacy and Culinaria proudly welcomes Chef Gates as a culinary visionary, weaving together flavors and experiences that celebrate the richness of Sudbury's gastronomic heritage.