The 100-Mile Diet

A diet focused on consuming locally produced food

Cover of The 100-Mile Diet book

The 100-Mile Diet is a lifestyle choice and movement that encourages individuals to consume food that is grown, produced, and sold within a 100-mile radius of their home. This concept is designed to promote local agriculture, reduce carbon footprints, and foster a deeper connection between consumers and the sources of their food.

Origins

The 100-Mile Diet was popularized by Alisa Smith and J.B. MacKinnon, who documented their year-long experiment of eating only foods grown within 100 miles of their residence in Vancouver, British Columbia. Their experiences were chronicled in the book The 100-Mile Diet: A Year of Local Eating, which has inspired many to adopt similar practices.

Principles

The core principle of the 100-Mile Diet is to consume food that is locally sourced. This involves:

• Supporting local farmers: By purchasing from local farmers, consumers help sustain local agriculture and economies.
• Reducing environmental impact: Local food requires less transportation, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel consumption.
• Seasonal eating: Participants often eat foods that are in season, which can lead to a more varied and nutritious diet.

Benefits

The 100-Mile Diet offers several benefits, including:

• Environmental sustainability: By reducing the distance food travels, the diet helps lower the overall carbon footprint associated with food production and distribution.
• Economic support: It boosts local economies by keeping money within the community and supporting local farmers and producers.
• Health and nutrition: Fresh, local foods are often more nutritious and flavorful than those that have traveled long distances.

Challenges

Adopting the 100-Mile Diet can present challenges, such as:

• Limited availability: Certain foods may not be available locally, especially in regions with harsh climates or limited agricultural diversity.
• Seasonal restrictions: Participants may need to adjust their diets based on seasonal availability, which can require creativity and flexibility in meal planning.
• Higher costs: Local foods can sometimes be more expensive than mass-produced alternatives, though this varies by region.

Impact

The 100-Mile Diet has influenced the broader locavore movement, encouraging people to think critically about the origins of their food and the impact of their dietary choices on the environment and local economies. It has also sparked discussions about food security, sustainability, and agricultural policy.

Related pages

• Locavore
• Sustainable agriculture
• Food miles
• Community-supported agriculture