Up in Ontario

A Manitoban 100-Mile Diet

The good folks at the 100-Mile Diet website point me to an article that appeared in the Winnipeg Free Press about one Manitoban's experience trying out the 100-mile diet in Manitoba.

While a month of local eating may seem difficult — OK, ridiculous, during a Manitoba winter — there’s no reason it should be impossible.

In fact, this experiment is actually modelled on the 100-Mile Diet, popularized by B.C. couple Alisa Smith and James MacKinnon, who ate within a 100-mile radius for an entire year, with no processed foods allowed, and documented their challenges.

...

Plenty of stores within the province specifically identify locally grown products, and local farmers’ markets draw hundreds, if not thousands of people over the summer.

There are a lot of arguments to support local products, like the environmental and health benefits of eating fresher food that hasn’t been trucked thousands of miles from farm to table.

And by buying Manitoba products, you’re supporting the local economy — giving more of your cash to farmers, producers and distributors, rather than forking it over to middlemen.

Lindsey Wiebe has learned what I have found to be the first rule of eating local: stock up and sock away things that are in season. The bounty of the local land is passing. So when berries are in season, get lots and put them away for later. When the fish are running, as the salmon are right now, gather far and wide while ye may. Something about laurels.

I know, I know. Here's what you're thinking because here's what I think.

It takes effort! planning! and foresight! to prepare and eat food that matters. You're busy. It's hard.

Well, you're right. So? It's food. You put it in you. It is you. It makes you and sustains you. There is nothing more basic, other than water and air. Is it tiresome to say, "you can't live without it?"

Make it count for something other than just seeing you to your next feeding. Put your mouth where your money is.