Why Eat Local

Top 5 Reasons to Eat Locally Grown Food

• Taste and Nutrition: Local food is fresher, more nutritious and tastier, primarily because it takes less time to travel between the farm and the consumer. Studies have shown that many foods lose nutritional value with storage and transport.

• Local Economy: Money spent on local food circulates in our local economy, strengthening the community for all of us. Eating locally can also be more affordable than a long-distance diet.

• Farmland Preservation: Supporting local farmers helps to make their farm businesses more viable, which contributes to preserving the beautiful farmlands and rural flavour of our community.

• Food Safety: Ontario food is produced to some of the highest food safety standards in the world.

• Sustainability: Peak oil, climate change and other issues means that we need to look for sustainable solutions. Local food is a three-times-a-day step in the right direction!

* Adapted with permission from Sustainable Connections

Ways You Can Support a Local Food System

• Visit a local Farmers' market. In 2009 Caledon will be home to 2 weekly Farmers' markets running from June to October. The Inglewood Farmers' Market is held on Wednesday evenings and the Caledon Farmers' Market is held in Bolton on Thursday evenings. There are nearby Saturday Farmers' Markets in Brampton, Orangeville and Georgetown.

• Visit local farmers & u-picks for local fruits, vegetables and herbs.

• Buy eggs, meats & fish from local sources.

• Buy honey and maple syrup from local producers.

• Buy goods from local processors (e.g. bakeries, dairies, breweries, wineries, butchers).

• Join a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) to receive a weekly supply of seasonal produce.

• Ask your local grocer and favourite restaurant about what local foods they carry.

• Plant a garden and eat produce from your own backyard.

• Preserve local produce (freeze, can, dry) to eat later in the year.