Food Miles

Food Miles image

[last updated: Jan 22/10]

As the Farmers’ Markets open and the berry farms begin to harvest, think about how many miles the food you buy has to travel. Your dinner may have traveled an average 2500 km to reach your plate!

How far has my food travelled?

It's very difficult to be sure. A food's country of origin may be on the label but, beyond this, it's generally impossible to tell how far the food has travelled and by what means.

The means of transport - as well as the distance - is an important consideration. A long journey by boat, for example, has less environmental impact than a shorter one by road.

Your food choices may represent your second-largest contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. By buying locally, you not only reduce your footprint, but you support a vibrant, local economy that can supply your needs and those of future generations.

The individual consumer can make a difference right away. Simply walking to local shops, when possible, and buying fresh ingredients to cook at home, has an impact.

To read the personal account of a local eater visit the eating local in vancouver blog

-Local advice-



Get Local
Get Local is an alliance of BC food producers, businesses, and groups working together to promote eating locally in the Metro Vancouver area. Get Local offers education about the benefits of eating locally, a growing list of businesses that are producing and selling local food, an incredible Seasonal Availability List and great updates every week.

Eat BC
The Eat BC Association is a representative body of restaurateurs, foodservice retailers, suppliers and educators. On the Eat BC website you can find local recipes, information on what is in season right now, a listing of restaurants serving local food and various other tips to help you live more sustainable!

100 Mile Diet
In 2005, Alisa Smith and J.B. MacKinnon began a one-year experiment in local eating. On the 100 Mile Diet website you can find most things you need to know in order to successfully achieve a more local diet!

Local Vancouver markets:

Granville Island Farmer's Market
1585 Johnston Street, Granville Island
9am - 6 pm, Thursdays, May - October

East Vancouvers Farmer's Market
Victoria Drive and East 15th Avenue
9am - 2pm, Saturdays, May - October

West End-Nelson Park-FArmer's Market
Comox Street between Bute & Thurlow
9am - 2pm, Saturdays, June - October

Nat Bailey Stadium
30th & Ontario Street
1pm - 6:30pm, Wednesdays, June - October

North Shore Farmer's Market
Lonsdale Quay, North Vancouver
Saturday 10am - 3pm
Wednesday 11am - 5pm

West Vancouver Farmer's Market
Dundrave: Saturdays, 2400 block of Marine Dr. or Ambleside, Sundays, 1400 block of Bellevue

White Rock Farmer's Market near the famous "Whale Wall", at Russell and Johnston Rd (152nd St) in uptown White Rock
mid - June to mid - October
Sunday 9am - 1pm

Winer Market: Heritage Hall
3103 Main St. at East 15th

UBC Farm Market
UBC Farm Harvest Hut
6128 South Campus Road