I am very excited about all the local eating movements.  Very excited.  It’s something I’ve been thinking a lot about recently, now that the warmer weather is here and the options for local produce are much better.

Could I eat only foods produced from Ontario?  Well, I do support local farmers but I’m not sure if my diet could be 100% local.  It doesn’t mean I’m not considering the shift, it just means I’m looking closely at how practical this lifestyle is for my family.  Yes, I will always buy Ontario peppers before ones from outside of Canada.  If I have the choice between fresh, Ontario asparagus or greens from somewhere in the US, well… it’s asparagus for dinner (even if it’s the third time this week).  But giving up juicy oranges from Florida, amazing sea salts and fresh ground pepper… I’m not sure if it’s a shift I should be making. Or is it?

As better alternatives to my pantry’s essential items become available, of course I’ll consider the switch!  I certainly believe in supporting Ontario workers and the amazing foods we produce here - so if it grows in Ontario, I will make a commitment to purchase the foods available here.  Will I shy away from all other products and eat 100% local? No, not yet.

I read the 100-mile diet book (Disclaimer - Fiance worked on this website) and have been really inspired to be conscious about where my food comes from and think closely about how many food miles my tomatoes have traveled from their farm to my table.  (Speaking of tomatoes, having grown my own successfully last summer, I am a true believer in food TASTING SO MUCH BETTER when it doesn’t have to be ripened on a truck).  It just makes sense that food grown closer to home tastes better.

The 100-mile book was great and the message is inspiring; take a step back and consider what you’re eating and how it got to your table.  Appreciate the work that goes into prepared foods, and if you really want an eye-opening experience (as these writers had), start jarring your own foods to prepare for winter (sounded fun, but ultimately painful).

A small story: Spending the day with my Dad, he leaned over and asked about the “diet” book I was reading (it’s not a weight loss book, but it is about our diets).  I explained that I want to be a better locavore and make an effort to eat more local foods.  His response to my commitment?

Well duh, isn’t that common sense?

Interesting. It seems earlier generations get that this concept of local eating is a simple, easy thing to do.  Why did his comments seem so off-putting?  Maybe it’s because I live in a fast food nation, or maybe it’s because being in the city means being far away from the farms… but is it really common sense to eat local?  For my Dad, it is.

It would be wonderful though, to just eat local, organic foods… but I must acknowledge that the local lifestyle comes at a higher grocery price tag.  Better in the long run, and healthier for you maybe, but paying more for groceries in this economy can be a hard sell for some.

The bottom line:  Eat locally and support local farmers as best you can.  I don’t think it’s reasonable to ask every Canadian family to make a shift to 100% local, but I value the gesture and admire those who live that way.  It’s better for you, it’s better for our community and our environment.  After all, being a locavore “just makes sense”. I’m going to make an effort to do better.  Enjoy your asparagus folks - strawberry season is up next!

Foodie, Media Eating locally, Foodie, locavore