As we all know, a big goal of eating local food is to lighten our impact on the planet, yet a big criticism of the 100-mile movement has been that in order to find local food, you have to travel. It's something I've really been feeling this week! Not that we've been driving hundreds of kilometres, but the closest farmers market and Choices are still a good 15-minute drive, 30 or more on transit. I have a produce market and grocery store within very short walking distance, neither of which carry much, if any, identifiably local food. I don't know a thing about trade and economics, but at the very least, if it's grown here and in season, shouldn't we have the option to buy it here? We have great farms in our 100-mile radius, plus the Okanagan Valley just slightly outside; save the California fruit for the folks who can't grow their own!
Don't get me wrong! We've been enjoying the challenge, with meeting some growers, learning about our surroundings, and tasting the delicious food and drinks that come with it. (Especially since I don't usually cook with animal products. Cheeeeese...mmmmm...)
I guess it just has me wondering about what happens next. Do I write to the supermarket chains and ask why they don't sell local goods (or at least give me a clue as to where the stuff really does come from)? Do I resign myself and come to terms with the way things are? Do I buy a better bike so I can make the longer trips without using gas? Yeah, I know; the guidelines for local living are already out there. I just hate that, at least where I live, if I have to run out for a couple of ingredients for dinner, they're all but guaranteed to be imported.
Maybe I'm just grumpy. I miss coffee.
One week down...how is everyone feeling?
I definitely feel you on the travel bit! I have kept meaning to visit a farm to do some u-pick, but haven't had the chance or much cash this past week. Hopefully this weekend will change that.
ReplyDeleteI was looking at spud.ca the other day, and they do weekly home delivery. They also will calculate the distance all of your products traveled, which is pretty of awesome. They of course are sort of limited in what they offer, but for some staple things, it might be convenient- I have a friend who doesn't have time to shop, but feels strongly about buying from local businesses (she's especially hooked on cookies from Uprising Breads) and she loves them.
But as for what we can do- so far it's been voting with my money, I guess. I have written a couple companies asking for elaboration on where their products are sourced, so I imagine writing retailers can't hurt.
I also just discovered that the Avalon Dairy is not far off from my usual route home from work everyday, so I'm probably a little too excited about that. COTTAGE CHEEEEEESE!
:( oh goodness, I can't imagine. The thought of going without coffee kind of short-circuits my brain. Do you have local teas? And farms close by? I would totally write to the supermarkets.
ReplyDeleteBefore I ask you any more questions, I suppose I'll read more of the blog. I love what you're doing though - keep going, you rock star, you!
Cheers!
Daisy