The Mission

As mentioned before, the mission for this blog for 2010 is more local, more seasonal. And so far this mission has been an overwhelming success, even moreso than I would have estimated.

Specifically, the mission is to ensure that in winter, not less than 60% of my food consumed is local, what's not local is at the very least organic and fair trade, and meat is 100% free-range and where possible, organic. Sound ambitious? Sound expensive?

Well, I'm happy to report that this has been an overwhelming success so far this winter. And for the first 6 weeks of the year, my grocery bill has actually DROPPED by about 12%. The reason? Full use of food to the max. Nothing goes to waste and meals are planned for all seven days of the week, and groceries bought once.

This started off as a bit of a challenge, mainly because doing this requires a trip to three different specialty stores.

For me, it's important to know where my food comes from and how it's procured. And while I haven't experienced an increase in costs, it would be worth it and this would not deter me. And for that matter, if I had to, I would cut costs elsewhere. Afterall, we pay for tv, internet, phones, cars, clothes... perhaps the last place we should be "bargain hunting" is with food... you get what you pay for. And if you don't want the genetic mutant produce, better be a little more selective - I'm really doubtful that a lemon should be the same size as a Florida orange.

The other added bonus is that I simply feel amazing. Despite a grueling winter I feel I've never been healthier. I sleep better and I feel less sluggish. I guess this should come as no surprise.

So throughout the year I will share some of my favourite gems; see some of my top picks for January below.

And it's on to week 7...