Buy local, organic, fair trade food

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Affordability

Many large food suppliers now offer organic and fair trade choices at increasingly competitive prices, so shop around with both large and smaller suppliers to find the best deal.

Cost savings

Eating locally and eating foods that are less processed can save money over buying imported and manufactured foods. The fewer steps from the farmer you shop, the lower the prices can be.

Environmental considerations

• Fair Trade means the supply chain is built on and functions according to standards of fairness, transparency and accountability. Fundamentally, it means the farmer who produced your food received a fair price for it.
• Fair Trade rewards and encourages farming and production practices that are environmentally sustainable. This includes organic agriculture techniques and integrated farm management systems which minimize pollutants, pesticides and herbicides.
• Food produced locally doesn't have far to travel, so fewer greenhouse gases are burned in transporting it to your plate.
• Choosing local food contributes to the provincial economy and helps B.C.'s 20,000 farms stay in business. When you buy local food products, the producer receives a higher percentage of your food dollar, which is then circulated many times throughout B.C. communities, strengthening local economies.

What you need to know

• Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables can reduce obesity, a major contributor to Type 2 diabetes and other lifestyle diseases.
• Local food tends to be fresher and tastier because it is picked when fully ripe and delivered more quickly than produce from outside the province, country, or continent.
• Choosing local food means serving and eating foods that are in season, such as squashes, cabbages and beets in winter, greens in spring, berries in summer and a bounty of choice in fall.
• For catered meals, find a company that offers a variety of vegetarian options, or contact a local restaurant that serves vegetarian meals, many of which offer catering.
• Switching office coffee and tea to organic and fair trade is as easy as switching suppliers or changing product lines. Your current supplier may already offer a fair trade option; ask.
• Your food suppliers should be able to switch to organic or local sources. If not, consider using other suppliers.
• Ask your food suppliers to provide information about their sources of food and where their ingredients were produced.
• Fair Trade Certified products have helped build economic independence and empowerment for certified farmer cooperatives and their members, bringing them economic stability and a higher standard of living.
• Beyond being paid a fair price for their produce, the Fair Trade Certified premiums help farmers build necessary social infrastructure in their communities.

Taking it further

• Farmers' markets are sometimes held during the week. Take a staff group to visit a market and meet local farmers to reinforce the value of buying local – or make it a weekly excuse for a getaway from the office.
• If your space allows for it, consider starting a rooftop garden or having window box gardens. These can be a great way to introduce people to growing food and can provide seasonal herbs or greens for staff lunches.
• A purchasing policy to use ethically sourced products is a long-term commitment that can withstand a turnover in management. A variety of different institutions, including municipalities, universities and businesses, are adopting ethical and Fair Trade purchasing policies in order to formalize and institutionalize their commitment to ethical purchasing. Your company can be a leader by adopting a purchasing policy, influencing others to do the same.

FAQ

What is the advantage of choosing locally produced food for my organisation?
Healthy employees and a healthy planet benefit all of us. Local food is picked at its peak and is fresher and tastier, adding to eating enjoyment. Fewer greenhouse gasses are burned in transport because it doesn’t have far to travel. Choosing local food also contributes to the provincial economy by supporting local farmers and producers. Supporting local farms helps ensure food security for the future.

How can I be sure that products I choose are really Fair Trade?
Look for products that are certified Fair Trade according to the international Fair Trade Standards. All Fair Trade Certified products come from certified producer organizations. The entire supply chain is monitored to ensure the integrity of labelled products. Only licensees can use the Fair Trade Certified label on their products.