We have been bamboozled about the true price of our food. Commodification, subsidies, trade deals and corporate lobbying have made industrial foods less costly than natural foods. While empty calories have gotten cheaper, nutritional value has gotten more expensive. Until our governments support our farmers, fishermen, and primary food producers like they do the multi-national corporations, eating local may present an economic challenge.
FACT: We spend less of our income on food today than any other time in history. [source]
The politics of eating and the true price of our food is a sad state of affairs… but as part of the Slow Food movement we are more empowered to take charge of the foods we consume than most other people in the world. Yes, these tips do require more time, and more effort. Feeding yourself should, actually, considering how important it is!
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Our collective effort does create momentum, don’t ever deny the benefit of even a small action. There are already many voices calling for the governmental action we need to support our local food producers. If the consumer demands good, clean and fair food, then politicians and industry will have to listen.
We won’t be perfect, we never are, but intention can mean a lot when it comes to how you choose to spend your food dollars. Do what you can when you can.
Benefits of a local food diet:
higher nutritional content
cleaner, bolder flavours
smaller carbon footprint
stimulates a vibrant local economy
more ethical to the animal, the producer & the planet
the cost of not eating local is much too high!
Brooke Fader is a sommelier, gardener, restaurant-owner, leader of the Slow Food Vancouver Island convivium & active member of the Slow Fish Canada committee.
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