When doing your weekly shop, do any of these sound familiar?
You’re in a rush.
You’re working off a list and ticking items off as you go.
You’re scrambling to think about what you’re going to cook for dinner and what to pack into the kids’ lunchboxes for the rest of the week.
You don’t have time to explore, you’re just there to get your favourites.
For many of us, food is simply a commodity in our busy lives. We aren’t really aware of what we are buying. More specifically, we aren’t really aware of where it has been grown, how it has been grown and who it was grown by. Many of us don’t think about seasonality. We just expect to see our favourite produce in the supermarkets all year round. For example, we forget that when grapes aren’t in season here in Australia- the ones that are on the shelves- have come from a very long way away, are imported and have incurred massive food miles.
Somehow, we seem to be missing a huge piece of the puzzle between farm and our plates. Sadly, many of us aren’t too concerned.
2020 has allowed us to slow down. One of the many positives that emerged is that we have had more time to think about and prioritise our health and wellness. Consumers are showing more interest in what they eat, which has meant that local growers have had to opportunity to shine.
During 2020, we have had time check out new recipes and experiment with cooking at home. When silverbeet is cheap and plentiful, we give it a shot instead of reverting to our usual favorites. Some of us may have even tried a new fruit and vegetable box service, visited a local farmer’s market or joined a food co-op. Knowingly or unknowingly, we are spinning the wheel for our local growers.
Don’t forget to check out my blog on why it’s so important to support our local growers, who are an integral part of our local economy. Not only will your pocket and tastebuds thank you for purchasing your locally grown produce, magic will find its way to your plate. This comes from finding appreciation for the food that you are consuming by knowing the story of the person behind it.