Dietitians of Canada

One Hundred Mile Diet

Background

People who follow the 100 Mile Diet try to only eat food that is grown or raised within 100 miles of their home. They usually do this because they believe that the diet:

• Is more nutritious
• Has safer food
• Helps the environment
• Supports the local economy

Position

Depending on where you live in Canada, it can be hard to follow the 100 Mile Diet and still meet Canada’s Food Guide. That being said, dietitians do encourage Canadians to eat local foods more often to support agricultural producers and to protect the environment.

In the warmer months and where possible, eat locally grown fruits and vegetables every day. If you have the time, storage space, and skills this is also the time to start freezing, canning and preserving a supply of local produce. This can help reduce food costs and extend that fresh flavour and goodness throughout the year. Choosing locally produced meat, dairy and grain is easier to do year round.

Some local vegetables and fruits have more vitamins and minerals than imported products. This is because they can lose nutritional value when shipped great distances. There is no evidence at this point to show that locally grown food is safer than imported food.

Actions

The 2010 and 2011 theme for Dietitians of Canada’s Nutrition Month encouraged Canadians to celebrate Canadian food and enjoy more locally grown foods. In 2010, Dietitians of Canada also published an evidence review for members on the 100 mile diet so that dietitians would have the best knowledge on this topic.