Every $1 spent on local food generates more than $2 in other local businesses. (New Economics Foundation, "Local Food Better for Rural Economy than Supermarket Shopping" (press release), London, UK, Aug 7 2001)

A head of lettuce, gown in California, and shipped nearly 5000 km to Washington D.C., requires about 36 times as much fossil fuel energy in transport as it provides in food energy when it arrives. ("Eat Here", a Worldwatch book, Brian Halweil 2004)

Anything that travels – including food – generates greenhouse gases, the main culprit in climate change, so the less distance something has to move to get to your mouth, the better. Buying local also means fewer chemicals to protect foods while they travel, which helps conserve precious farmlands and wildlife. (David Suzuki Foundation)

The average meal travels 2400 km (1500 miles) from field to table! Local food is fresher and better for you than food shipped long distances because chemicals used to prevent mould and fungus growth during shipping are harmful to your health. Organic farming is better for the environment than conventional methods but importing organic produce from far away offsets some of the environmental benefits because all that travelling increases greenhouse gases. (David Suzuki Foundation)

LEARN MORE:

David Suzuki Foundation
100 Mile Diet
Simcoe County Farm Fresh