The 50 Mile Diet

Vermont Local

This is the sign hanging above the entrance of the City Market Onion River Co-op in Burlington, Vermont. So my daughter and I walked through the store looking for local. Would it be easier to eat local in the center of Burlington than it would be at home in Minnesota?

We were really impressed. The Vermont produce — both vegetable and fruit — were in abundance. Some were conventional, some organic and some transitional (not yet certified organic but on the path). It wasn’t just in the produce aisle, it was throughout the store — dairy, bakery, meat, nuts, grains, wine, beer — just about every aisle (but cereal, I think) had something made in Vermont. Friendly signs were clearly posted all over the place indicating the Vermont products. Of course not all the foods were local, but we were really excited.

Yes, it would be easier to eat local in Burlington, Vermont; the local food was easily accessible in one of the downtown grocery stores. Is it because there are more local products available in the area? Because the store supports the local economy and provides a market for these goods? Or is this what the community demands?

The store had a great sense of humor too….

Thanks to my daughter who tolerated me taking photos in a grocery store.

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