Eating With The Seasons How to eat seasonally and help create a sustainable food system.

Eating With The Seasons Have you ever thought about how you are able to eat an apple any time of the year even though their harvest season is only August through December? What makes that possible and what are the costs?

Eating Out of Season There are a variety of externalities associated with the food we buy in a grocery store. When buying out of season, food must travel longer distances in order to be available in grocery stores. These are called “food miles”.

Eating Out of Season California is rich in agriculture, producing nearly half of the nations fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Even so, food is being imported from other states as well as overseas. This is because food is expected to be available year round by consumers.This leads to an increased output of pollution...

Consequences of Food Miles The National Resource Defence Council reported the environmental consequences resulting from importing agricultural products to be: 250,000 tons of global warming gases-the equivalent of 40,000 cars on the road.

Consequences of Food Miles More than 6,000 tons of smog-forming nitrogen oxides- equivalent to 1.5 million vehicles. 300 tons of particulate matter released into the air-equating to 1.2 million cars. The way the food is shipped can greatly affect pollution outputs too…Planes produce 177 times more emissions than ships.

Consequences of Food Miles Also, the minute food is harvested, it begins to lose its nutritional value. The longer it takes to transport a food item means an increased loss in nutrients. Where your food could be coming from: Bell Peppers Netherlands Blackberries Chile Blueberries Chile, New Zealand, Argentina Cherries

Take a Look at Your Groceries You just might be surprised...

Eating With The Seasons California offers a variety of food options throughout the year. Here’s a quick guide to your favorite foods and their seasonal availability: Grapes July - November Corn June - October Cherries April - July Peas April - November Cucumbers June - November Apricots May - July Asparagus February - June

Benefits of Eating in Seasonal and Local Eating local produce helps reduce fuel consumption and pollution. Strengthens your local economy. Supports local agriculture. You’ll be consuming more nutrient rich foods.