The Journey of Eating Local: Transforming Our Food Habits

Discovering the Benefits of Eating Local

Once upon a time, we set a long-term goal for ourselves. This goal would take time and patience, but we understood the benefits of eating local. It was just a matter of implementing a solid plan.

Grey & Bruce is rich in food, culture, history, art, and music. Our primary focus was food. The first step in our journey of finding good food was visiting the Owen Sound Farmers Market.

Every Saturday morning, we strolled into the market, purchasing honey, chicken, beef, local greens, and a loaf of bread. Little by little, we replaced items from the big box stores with ingredients found at the farmer’s market.

Adapting to Seasonal Changes in Food

Summer brings an abundance of produce. However, during the colder months, our shopping habits had to change. Adapting to the seasons is part of our adventure. Let them dictate what and how you eat. Tomatoes are delightful all summer long. In February, we can savor root vegetables, winter squash, cabbages, and any ingredients we preserved from summer. While these ingredients may seem mundane compared to summertime delights, you can create amazing recipes with them through practice and experimentation.

The Importance of Seasonal Eating

Why are we often told to eat the same foods throughout the year? Buying the same produce all year long leads to a monotonous diet. By changing our eating habits with the seasons, we consume more nutrient-dense foods that burst with flavor. It’s time to break the mold and embrace this change. Embracing each season is vital to the process of eating local food.

Eating Local and Building Relationships

Experiencing new things helps us grow. It can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. You may find yourself wondering, “What is this alien-looking purple globe, and how do I use it?” When a farmer tells you it’s Kohlrabi, it tastes sweet like cabbage, you may feel encouraged to try it.

The best approach is to keep it simple. First, taste the ingredient, feel its texture, and get to know it before cooking. Stick with familiar techniques, then experiment. You can boil, roast, slice it raw, or shred it into a slaw. You won’t know what works best until you try. If one method doesn't work, don't be discouraged; there’s always another way to enjoy it!

Too often, fear keeps us from trying new things. Every mistake is a learning opportunity.

As we spent more time at the farmers' market, we began to build relationships with the farmers running the booths. Soon, these connections evolved into friendships. Now there was a bond that extended beyond food. A picture was forming about the relationship nurtured between farmers and consumers through the love of food. Our passion for food translates into a deeper connection to the area we call home.

Expanding Our Local Food Network

Once you get to know your farming friends, you'll discover more individuals in the farming community. Each offers unique ingredients for your kitchen. Your network grows, and your life becomes more “local.” Gradually, your big box grocery list shrinks while your local food list and friendships flourish. You feel a sense of fulfillment.

Instead of viewing the world from the outside, you become part of the community’s heart. You blend into the patchwork of the land and the people thriving from it.

Getting Started and Reaping the Benefits of Eating Local

Years into our goal, we can confidently say we eat local. We have truly become local. It feels gratifying to know our food is grown in the soil of Grey & Bruce. This connection gives us peace of mind, knowing our food has been nurtured from start to finish—not just mass-produced for quick profit. Locally grown food is higher in nutritional value, ultimately benefiting our health.

You’re likely wondering, where to begin? What should you look for? Where do you go? Start small. Begin your weekly outings to the local farmers' market. Replace one ingredient at a time. Avoid trying to switch everything all at once, as that can feel overwhelming.

Get to know the farmers. Ask questions about what they grow, how they grow it, and their favorite produce. Consult with others in your community about who sells particular items. Utilize the internet to discover the vast food culture present in Grey & Bruce. You’ll be pleasantly surprised!

Once you start, commitment is key. Transitioning to eating locally can be challenging, but it's important to persevere. Over time, this will evolve into a lifestyle change. As you dive deeper into your journey of eating local food, you’ll find it hard to turn back.

Our Favorite Local Food Items

Here’s a list of our favorite local food items found in Grey & Bruce:

• Bread

• Honey

• Maple Syrup

• Beef/Chicken/Lamb/Pork/Duck/Geese/Fish

• Jams, Jellies & Preserves

• Flour

• Fruit & Vegetables (there is so much to enjoy!)

• Eggs

• Beer & Wine (yes, they are produced here too!)

• Coffee

• Butter Tarts

• Crackers

• Cheese

  
  

It truly is quite simple to replace your entire big box grocery list. Start with one item, making it your mission to discover more. Interestingly, you may find more than just food. You might also explore body care items, locally made jewelry, art, pottery, books, and music.

This mission will evolve into a lifestyle change, and you won’t even notice how seamlessly it happens.

Conclusion

Embrace the treasures offered by your local community. Start building meaningful relationships. Step outside your comfort zone. Try something extraordinary. You won't realize how great it feels until you begin. Take it one step at a time, one ingredient at a time.