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Do your kids think that peas come from the freezer…or that tomatoes come from a can? If so, March may be the perfect time to talk to them about where their food really comes from. 

It’s Nutrition Month® and this year’s theme “Celebrate Food, From Field to Table” focuses on the celebration of nutritious food—right from where it’s grown and harvested to when it ends up on our dinner table. 

“Nutrition Month provides an opportunity to learn about how to eat healthy, while supporting community-based food programs such as local food gardens,” said Ida Chong, Minister of Healthy Living and Sport. “Through programs like B.C.’s Community Food Action Initiative we are supporting a variety of projects that increase a community’s ability to grow and develop locally grown food.” 

“The theme is also a good reminder for us not to take our farmers for granted”, says IH Community Nutritionist Laura Kalina. “Spring is just around the corner and there are a lot of good reasons to learn about what is growing in your area and how you can access local produce. Locally grown and raised food is fresher, can taste better and be more nutritious than food that has traveled long distances.” 

There’s even a growing trend toward eating locally grown, fresh produce. Books like the 100 Mile Diet and the Omnivore’s Dilemma have helped highlight why it’s important to try to incorporate foods that can be found within your local region into your diet. And while it is true that some vegetables and fruits lose nutrients quickly when they travel long distances and sit on the shelf, nutritional benefits are just one reason why eating local makes sense. 

“There are many other reasons for buying local”, says Laura Kalina. “Farms employ local people and when you buy from a farmer or producer in your area, you get to connect with that person, and you support your local economy.  An added bonus with buying local is that it’s also good for the environment. It reduces the waste and mileage associated with how food is produced, packaged and transported. Conserving farmland also protects important green spaces and wildlife habitat”. 

If you’re sold on the benefits of buying local but aren’t sure how to access it, here are some tips: 

·   Shop at local farmer’s markets, when available

·   Seek out food co-ops, community supported farms, and local fruit and vegetable stands. These offer other opportunities to buy local

·   Ask your grocer to feature fresh, local produce when in season

·   Check to see if your area has a produce delivery service

·   Plant a garden, start a school garden, or join a community garden! Gardening can be a  fun and rewarding experience for the whole family 

For more information:

Interior Health website:                                               www.interiorhealth.ca

Dietitians of Canada website:                                     http://www.dietitians.ca/index.asp