Food For Thought
Backstory: The transport of food contributes greatly to food costs and is driven, in part, by contemporary fuel prices. As the cost of a gallon of gasoline or diesel fuel increases, the cost of transporting goods also rises. If you live in an area that requires shipping and/or air transport, the food prices are dramatically increased to cover the additional fuel costs required. Many concerned shoppers are shifting their needs to closer food sources, such as local markets, in order to lower their food costs as well as to ensure local businesses benefit within the community. It is interesting to evaluate where your goods come from in order to 1) minimize the use of fossil fuels, and 2) decrease budgetary food costs.
Activity: How much of your food cost is directly related to the transport of the products to your geographic location? Fill in the table below with your weekly food information. Ask your grocer or butcher where the meat you purchase comes from. Read the packaging for grains (breads and cereals) and dairy (milk and cheeses) products to determine their sources. If the product has been processed, use the location of the manufacturing plant. Estimate the distance from your home for each food category. Visit a local market to determine local costs. Address the following questions:
| Source Location | Distance from Your Location | Cost for Product | Local Cost for Product | |
| Meat | ||||
| Seafood | ||||
| Vegetables | ||||
| Fruit | ||||
| Grains | ||||
| Dairy |
Do most of the foods you buy come from nearby or far away? Is there a difference in the cost of your food item if it is local or transported from farther away?
Would you be willing to spend more for local food if you knew it was fresher? Does it make a difference to you that you are supporting local businesses?
Is there a significant difference in local vs. “shipped in” prices with respect to category? Are there categories where you could change the food source without any changes in cost?
With fuel prices rising, do you believe it will become more advantageous to shop for only locally produced foods? What about imported foods from other countries?
What kind of impact do you think climate change might have on food source locations? Might this also affect food prices?
Activity results are being submitted...