What Are The Hidden Costs of Canada’s Food Waste Crisis?
The complexity of food systems goes beyond our imagination, impacting Canadians’ lives. This not only includes how food is produced and consumed but also how it is discarded. Did you
I’m sure you’ve heard about the growing interest in eating locally; but, do you know why? It is important to acknowledge the positive impact eating locally has beyond just being a tastier food. Long story short, local food consumption is generally better for you and your community, and produces positive social and nutritional outcomes. But first, what does local food refer to?
Local food is food that is consumed within 50 km of the province or territory where it is produced and processed, resulting in a shorter supply chain. In our globalized world, the convenience of getting any food at any time often overshadows such considerations. Thus, it is important to recognize the positives of eating locally produced food. First, let’s delve into the individual benefits:
Health benefits
By choosing local, you are not just making a personal health choice but also supporting local farmers and communities. The benefits of this include:
Societal benefits
How to make local production a viable choice
Statistically, Canadian consumers usually prioritize freshness and taste when purchasing food, qualities commonly seen in local products. While not all Canadians focus on local food, there has been a significant 19% growth in locally sourced or grown products between 2019 and 2022, indicating a potential future trend.
One challenge to this interest might be the tough Canadian climate, which can limit the accessibility and affordability of these products, as most of them can only be obtained in certain months of the year. However, there are different strategies we can use to overcome these challenges.
Solutions: Tips for consumers
Extra tip!
Supporting locals supports responsible food production and consumption, and it’s a great way to improve your diet. Another way to ensure your positive contribution to your community is by avoiding food waste, composting food scraps, and purchasing those “imperfect” agricultural products.
Taste the difference when you support your community with local food choices!
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The complexity of food systems goes beyond our imagination, impacting Canadians’ lives. This not only includes how food is produced and consumed but also how it is discarded. Did you
Agriculture is a uniquely personal industry. Farmers and ranchers cherish and nurture their animals, crops, and land as if it is a part of their family, while simultaneously maintaining strong
Hello everyone, My name is Roxanne, interviewing Mrs. Peloquin, manager of the Lufa Farm’s Donation Program. Hello Mrs. Peloquin! First, could you introduce yourself a bit and tell us about