Many people have been telling us over the past year about their priority to buy local products, in response to the situation south of the border. We applaud all of these efforts because we truly believe everyone benefits: food is fresher and dollars stay in the community, which creates jobs at home and further investment in our neighbourhoods.
The good news is that there has been a culture of buying local for a number of years now, so there are many more structures in place to support this initiative. Many people became more aware when projects like the 100 Mile Diet introduced the many benefits to shopping locally. This involves a lifestyle commitment to eating only foods grown or produced within a 100-mile radius of your home. The goals are to eat healthier, reduce environmental impact (less trucking), support local farmers, and understand food’s true journey.
We are currently hearing of people going to great lengths to source local food and taking the time needed to buy Canadian products. As you explore your options closer to home, think about taking advantage of year-round farmers’ markets or contact your favourite local producer directly.
Lots of people are making their meal plans around what is currently available and buying seasonal produce that has more likelihood of being available from a local producer. Most of the spinach we eat in the winter, for instance, comes from the U.S. If spinach is a must-have, the imported varieties are readily available in grocery stores. But if you want to try eating seasonally, this might be an opportunity to try bok choy, kale, arugula, or Swiss chard as substitutes until spinach is growing in local fields again. Or choose from the array of lettuces that are available. Much of this produce is grown right here at home, even over the winter.
It can be daunting to bring all our priorities together when planning our meals. We have to plan within a budget, with wholesomeness and variety in mind, and all according to individual taste preferences in our household. Adding a priority to buy local might feel like another checkbox on your list, but we believe you can easily meet this priority. Take a few minutes to ask your friends and family where they purchase local produce, search online for growers close to you and see where they sell their products, enjoy a trip to your local farmers’ markets!
We encourage looking into the many options you have to bring local food into your home – whether or not your elbows are up, we think you’ll enjoy the journey into buying local! We’re always here at The Jungle Farm to share both our produce and our knowledge. Innisfail Growers staff are always ready to help, as well, be sure to visit them at:
Gasoline Alley farmers market
Calgary farmers market South
Calgary farmers market West