You’re aware of the growing local food movement by now.
Yet you may not be taking advantage of the opportunities for local and sustainable eating found within city confines. There’s a difference between being a good eater and being a smart eater, after all.
Why care about local food? We’ve got five great reasons right here…
It’s fresh, delicious, and makes less of a journey from farm-to-table
Ontario’s greenbelt is the heart of the province’s agricultural sector. When you choose food from local farmers, it travels a fraction of the distance from the farm to your table – meaning it’s fresher, more nutritious, and generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions along the way. Bottom line: local food is not just good for you, it’s also good for the environment, which is good for you, which is good for the environment… you get the idea. It’s a win/win.
This is the Fresh City Farms farm located in Downsview Park, Toronto. Thousands of households receive monthly deliveries of food grown, quite literally, around the corner.
It supports local farmers
Eating more local food means your money stays local, too – it’s a direct investment in the sustainability of our farmers and helps them keep them doing what they do best. With so many global brands dominating daily life, a focus on simpler, local businesses is as refreshing as the fruit they offer.
It’s super easy to find
Just because you live in the middle of concrete and construction doesn’t mean you can’t conveniently consume fresh, local food. In fact, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to farmers’ markets and roadside vendors – but that’s not the only way to get your fill. Look for the Foodland Ontario logo in your grocery store, and choose to eat at restaurants that are FeastON designated. If your local grocer doesn’t carry local food, be sure to tell them you want more of it (it can’t hurt).
It’s available year-round.
Eating locally isn’t restricted to the spring and summer months. Believe it or not, it’s easy to find locally grown food year-round (even in the middle of a brutal Canadian winter). Who knew? Visit The Local Dish to find out what’s available when, and get tons of great recipes for winter, spring, summer, and fall.
July is the start of zucchini season. Get the recipe for this uber-delish zucchini pasta in a lime and coriander sauce by visiting The Local Dish.
It supports pollinators
Did you know that 1 in 3 bites of food can be attributed to pollination? Pollinators are critical to our food system – and they are in decline. Supporting local food, growing your own food (you can do so on your balcony), and planting native wildflowers will all help to support local pollinators. What’s good for pollinators is good for you.
Find out more
Dive into all things local at the Lovin’ Local Food Fest on Saturday, July 9 at Yonge-Dundas Square. If you were there last year, you know it features the tastes and creations of some of Toronto’s best chefs, restaurants, food trucks, wineries and breweries, as well as local musicians and more. It won’t break the bank, either – admission is free.
There’s no better reason to stay local next weekend.