Viva Vitality: Buying local is good for you, the Earth and the economy
By Alison Van Dyke on November 22, 2019.
communityfoodconnections@gmail.com Recent years have seen a resurgence of people’s interest in purchasing local food, and with good reason. There are many reasons why consumers value local food, and all have merit. 1. Local food is nutritious! Produce that is sourced from any great distance already has several strikes against it. Many fruit and vegetable varieties sold in the store are grown for their yields and ability to be transported without damage to the item, not for their nutritional value. Since local producers are not as concerned about transportation and uniform appearance, they can offer more variety with greater taste and nutritional value. Produce that is picked under-ripe for shipping, then sent across the continent or ocean to your grocery store has already “leaked out” many nutrients by the time you prepare it for your family, whereas local produce can be picked at near or peak ripeness for immediate sale and consumption. 2. Buying local helps reduce environmental impact. Climate Change is on everyone’s minds these days, and it never hurts to do our best to help keep our planet healthy. By purchasing produce locally, you are reducing your carbon footprint since fewer fossil fuels are used during transportation. Many items we purchase in the produce aisle have travelled thousands of kilometres to make it to your plate, and if we can reduce at least a few of those items, we are making a difference for our planet through our purchasing power. 3. Purchasing local keeps more money in our local economy. If local producers know they have a guaranteed market for their product, they are able to scale-up their production and hire more employees, which in turn increases cash flow through the local economy as well as providing sustainable employment. What can I do to support local? 1. Choose the local option at the grocery store when price allows. 2. Talk to the manager at your grocery store about your interest in purchasing local and if they are trying to source local products for the store. If people show an interest and purchase local food products, stores will source and stock more. 3. Search online for a local food directory to find local producers. Sometimes food security, tourism, or agriculture organizations will produce a local food directory for your region. Alison Van Dyke is Food Security Co-ordinator with Community Food Connections Association in Medicine Hat. She can be reached via e-mail, communityfoodconnections@gmail.com 11-10
