Saturday, February 6, 2010

Where's my breakfast from?

Last night, Joe and I watched Food, Inc., a documentary film about the food industry in the United States. I was already aware of a lot of the issues they raised regarding treatment of animals, lobbying groups for specific industries, and the benefits of eating organic; however, I had not ever really considered the idea of where all of my produce comes from. In the film, they state that the average meal travels over 1500 miles to get to your table. That's a long way! (Think from Athens to about Salt Lake City for an idea of how far this is.)

So, I decided to take inventory of the produce in our house to see how far my fruits and veggies have traveled to make it to Athens. Here's what I found:
  • Blueberries - Chile
  • Peaches - Chile
  • Apples - USA (Washington)
  • White Potatoes - USA (unknown)
  • Sweet Potatoes - USA (unknown)
  • Bananas - Guatemala
  • Pomegranates - USA (California)
  • Butternut Squash - Mexico
  • Strawberries - USA (Florida)
  • Carrots - USA (unknown)
  • Spinach - unknown
  • Grapes - Chile
  • Parsnips - USA (unknown)
  • Celery - USA (unknown)
  • Brussel Sprouts - unknown
  • Peppers - unknown
  • Leeks - Mexico
  • Onions - USA (unknown)
First thought, "Wow - I have lots of produce!". Second thought, "My produce is more well traveled than I am!". This means my banana, peach, blueberry smoothie for breakfast this morning comes from Chile and Guatemala. I think the only thing from the US in it is the ice I added. Shocking!

So, I'm aiming to be more proactive in looking for food that is grown closer to home, since the only thing in my kitchen that appears to even relatively fit that bill are the Floridian strawberries. I signed up for our locally grown farming co-op in the Athens area, which if you are interested, you can check out here: http://athens.locallygrown.net/

I normally frequent our farmer's market when it's open, but it's closed from November until May. In the meantime, I'll keep hunting for some closer food and let you know if I find anything good. Do you guys have any suggestions on other ways to find less international produce?
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2 comments:

  1. DFebruary 6, 2010 at 5:44 PM

    I LOVE Locally Grown, but I don't always have time to pick it up during the week. Earth Fare usually has a good selection of local items. And of course, there's always growing your own . . . but what new mom has time for that?!? ;)

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  2. MORGANFebruary 11, 2010 at 6:03 AM

    I watched Food Inc. last year and joined Athens Locally Grown. The only problems I have with it are the distance to get some of the products..I mean, I don't have time to go get organic lettuce from Winterville. Now, I am reading Michael Pollen's book, "In Defense of Food." It is really eye opening, as the focus is on processed and packaged foods. Good luck with your goal...I am working on that as well.

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