Kids Dish

The first episode of Food Network Canada’s 100 Mile Challenge starts April 5th. Based on "The 100-Mile Diet” by Alisa Smith and J.B. Mackinnon and hosted by the authors, the show challenges the citizens of Mission, BC to live for 100 days eating only foods that originate within 100 miles of their home.

Episodes will be available online the day after they air in Canada (which is good for me because 1. we don’t have cable and 2. even if we did, I don’t think Food TV Canada airs in Philadelphia). I’m curious to see how the show plays out and if the network shows that eating locally is not only possible, but pleasurable. Because it is reality television, not reality, the six families that sign on for the challenge are forbidden from eating household staples like beer, coffee, tea, chocolate, olive oil, pepper and most spices. (Notice where my priorities are- no beer!)

While that makes for great television, I hope that at some point it’s made clear that eating locally isn’t an all or nothing proposition. Supporting the local economy and local farmers is ideal, but it is not necessary to deprive your family of coffee or bananas simply because they don’t grow in a 100-mile radius of your home. We eat locally as often as possible. Aside from the occasional tropical fruit, just about all of our produce is local from May through November. The majority of our milk, yogurt and eggs (and beer!) are local and I only buy locally pastured meat.

But the rest? I buy locally when it makes sense. Olive oil is a pantry staple and while the shore is definitely within 100 miles I have no intention of harvesting my own sea salt. It would be a fun challenge, but with two small children and very little patience when it comes to shopping with them, I’m not ready to fully participate any time soon. We still do more to support the environment and local economy than most families and I’m proud of our level of participation even if we’re not 100% locavores.

In addition to bits about the 100 Mile Challenge show, the show’s blog features recipes and tips as well as information about different vegetables.