Local food has no strict definition - it can refer to food grown at home, in your community, your region or your country. Most people who strive to eat locally purchased foods that are produced as close to home as possible. By eating local food, you are supporting agriculture in your community. Buying local also supports a more sustainable food system. Less processing, packaging, energy use and transportation is required to put local foods on your plate compared to foods that are imported from other countries.

When you eat local, you are supporting sustainable farming which has a reduced environmental impact, and you are also reducing your own carbon footprint. Your local community and economy also get a boost when you buy locally produced food, because you help to keep your dollars within your community.

Another great part of eating local is that you know where your food was grown. Since this food was grown in your region, you can be more aware of the legislation that restricts the use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals on produce. There is also a very good chance that your local produce is not genetically modified. Often, produce that has been imported is modified in some way because it must stand up to long-distance travel.

Eating local is also nutritionally beneficial. Since locally grown food is ripened on the vine and not picked ahead of time like imported food, the nutritional content is often higher. Fresher, locally-sourced food just tastes better, too!

How to Start Eating Local
An easy way to start buying local is to choose one type of product to focus on, such as vegetables. You can then seek out sources of local meat and dairy. Farmer's Markets Canada is a great resource to locate a farmer's market selling local foods near you. Find out what's in season in your area, and try to integrate these ingredients into your meals. A fridge full of tasty local foods may even encourage you to be creative in the kitchen!

It may be a challenge to eat locally during our cold Canadian winters. In order to eat locally all year round, try to preserve fresh local produce when it is most abundant. Freezing, canning, and dehydration methods of preservation halt ripening and prevent spoilage. This may mean a little more work in the spring, summer and fall seasons, but it is worth it to be able to eat locally and enjoy your favourite foods beyond their seasonal availability. Even though the weather is getting colder, you can still grow your own vegetable garden indoors. Many veggies are easy to grow from seeds, such as salad greens, carrots, tomatoes, zucchini and green beans. Make gardening a family activity and have everyone choose their favourite vegetable to grow. Plan recipes to make when your veggies are ripe! Remember to wash your produce before you eat it.

We wish you the best of luck in eating local!