One of the biggest and most impactful shifts that supporting local food systems can provide is moving away from consumer cultures that embed themselves in narratives of competition and individual notions of rights towards responsibility. It is almost impossible to govern food chains as “public commons” when notions of
A common thing we hear about local food is that it is more expensive than food you would find at the grocery store. While this may be true in the immediate purchase of some products, there is a much bigger picture to this discussion of cost. Ecological and regenerative farming practices enable the land and soil to be healthier while supporting biodiversity and potentially leading to fewer climate impacts. Local based food systems inject money into the local community, support a more sustainable food future, enhance food security, and provide high-quality products to eaters.
Social costs need to be included in understanding the costs of food – for a sustainable future depends on it. When you have a direct connection to the farms that are producing your food, you have the ability to ask the farmers important questions such as how their workers are paid and treated and how their mental health is given the pressures and stress of farming in our current climate.
Rebuilding a local, ecological food system from scratch will take time as many elements of local value chains need to be rebuilt simultaneously. Eat Local Grey Bruce is committed to connecting eaters with local growers and or food makers that empowers all its members to participate in equitable and vibrant food culture. We provide an efficient and cost-effective food distribution system in Grey, Bruce and Simcoe Counties.