Supporting Local: Food Edition

Posted Monday January 07, 2019

We have officially entered into the winter season; as we sit on the cusp of a new year it seems like as good of time as any to set our intentions for the next twelve months. Though our list of goals is robust, one that we are particularly passionate about is supporting our local food producers here in Kawartha Lakes and throughout Ontario! We are sure that you are wondering why this matters in a world where everything is at our fingertips; so, we wanted to take a moment to tell you why we believe supporting local in 2019 is important for our health, our environment and our economy.


From a health and wellness perspective, we are pretty confident that you would like to ensure that you are getting the best bang for your buck; that is, accessing the best quality nutrition.  Ripeness is for instance is an important factor in assessing the overall nutritional content.  If our produce has to travel thousands of miles to arrive on our doorstep, it only makes sense that it was picked before it was ripened. Sadly, certain types of produce, tomatoes for example, can only reach nutritional maturity while still attached to the plant. Though they might produce full colour, studies have shown that their Vitamin C content is higher when they are vine ripened. Eating locally, by sourcing from Ontario producers ensures from a crop cultivation and harvest perspective, that you are getting food with the most nutrients in it.


Speaking of traveling thousands of miles; from an environmental standpoint, eating locally serves to cut down on carbon emissions caused by the transportation of goods from another country or continent! This change helps to reduce our emissions footprint. It also helps to protect farmland and green space in our community. Something that we are all proud of in the Kawarthas!


Finally, sourcing food locally has an incredible impact on our community. From an economic standpoint, money that is spent with local farmers and growers stays close to home and has the propensity to be reinvested within businesses and services in our community. The more money that is invested locally, means that more money stays locally. It is a positive cycle, more investment leads to more jobs, more jobs leads to more investment. It is a win win!


When we look at the impact that eating locally can have on our community, and its incredible constituents, it is easy to see why it is a critical component of a happy and healthy 2019. So how do we bring this to fruition? How do we intentionally go about supporting local growers and producers? Step one, visit farmers markets! Not only is it a great social exercise, it allows you to come face to face with individuals growing your food. Step two, check out our local Kawartha Choice FarmFresh Program and local Feast On designations. Kawartha Choice FarmFresh is a local food program that showcases farmers, chefs, retailers, farmers' markets and food service providers who focus on promoting locally grown and produced farm products.  Feast On certifications are awarded to businesses throughout the province that show dedication to sourcing Ontario made “food and drink”. Visit www.kawarthachoice.com to learn more about the Kawartha Choice FarmFresh Program and to learn more about Feast On visit www.ontarioculinary.com. Step Three, spread the word. If this lifestyle resonates with you, tell a friend. Before you know it, these small changes will start to make a big difference!