Healthy eating...local produce

[Jill Harju]

While at our recent Exhibition in Thunder Bay we had not only rides and concession stands...we had a local farm demonstrate cow milking and hand out booklets that list all the farms in our area which sell fresh, organic produce. The book labeled "Your Guide to Local Food" was a real eye opener. We in this region have such an amazing opportunity that many big city dwellers can't fathom. We have fresh food that need not travel the average 3500kms most produce takes to get to our Grocery stores. We can get fresh veggies and meats at a fraction of the cost, picked at its peak, loaded with fresh flavor not pesticides. Its a better choice for the environment...it needs less packaging and uses less gas. Most times you can hit the local farmers markets to buy it or place a phone in order. One Farm in Particular offers a CSA (community supported agriculture) where for a yearly fee, you will get a weekly share of the fresh harvest.. And if you can't afford the yearly fee, there is the chance to help out on the farm on Tuesdays from 8am til 12noon for a full share of the produce. The Grass fed beef (with minimal vaccinations and negative hormones....happy cows are healthy cows) is sold at $100 for 20 lbs...10lbs of which are packaged 1lb ground beef. The other 10lbs are top end cut steaks and sausage. I have a plan to check out the local farmers market. I grew some veggies in my back yard but lost my tomatoes (all 3 plants..loaded with tomatoes) to late-blight due to the High humidity and cool nights...So far we have 5 large english cucumbers of our one plant. Beets, Carrots and green onions are still growing and we ate our first dinner of new potatoes last night. All grow with my own hands and all without poisonous pesticides. If you are in the Thunder Bay area and want more info, I would gladly share the info in this booklet...If not in my area..I suggest searching for your local farmers market.

Jill