Meeting your maker sounds like a supernatural experience, but rest assured I am not talking about the afterlife.
British Columbia is full of makers, bakers, growers and raisers all producing local food.
March is Nutrition Month and this year’s theme Celebrate Food … From Field to Table is all about learning to appreciate local food.
As our global food economy delivers exotic fare to your local grocer, the disconnect between where our food comes from and the people who produce it grows. Before succumbing to the temptation of exotic food, it’s important to think about the advantages locally produced food has over food that has travelled thousands of miles to reach your lunchbox.
Local food plays a significant role in shaping healthy communities. Healthy communities have lower rates of chronic disease and increased local employment. A healthy community is also one in which its citizens are engaged; where cultural, spiritual and psychological needs are met; and where access to safe, sustainable and healthy food is achievable.
This Nutrition Month take the opportunity to increase your local food awareness. Gather your family and start planning your own local food supply for the coming growing season. Backyard and balcony gardens are great ways to know exactly where your food comes from! Very soon your farmers market will be stocked with vendors selling starter plants to get you going on your summer gardening. Keep an eye out for unique heritage varieties of your favourite fruits and veggies.
As farmers markets continue to grow in popularity, there is a sense of going back in time to when towns had centres where residents gathered to mingle and enjoy the company of neighbours.
Local food is a champion in healthy communities. It has an uncanny ability to connect people while providing vital nutrition and incredible eating pleasure. Take steps to enjoy local food and prepare to reap rewards.
Vanessa Perrodou is a UBC dietetic intern with Interior Health.