Much of the food readily available to buy has travelled hundreds of kilometres from the producer to a supermarket.
Long haul transport and the way in which the food is grown can mean it is not as sustainably produced as food sourced closer to where it is consumed.
Warrnambool City Council would like to increase consumption of locally produced food.
“Local, fresh and artisan food can be healthier, fresher, creates fewer ‘food miles’ and supports local small businesses,” Warrnambool Mayor Cr Tony Herbert said.
“Our Local, Fresh and Artisan Food project aims to find out how many people produce or consume local fresh or artisan food, whether people endeavour to buy local vegies, preserves, cheese and other food products and whether people fish, hunt or gather wild food.
“Our survey wants to know what percentages of different food groups are sourced locally and also asks whether people would prefer to consume more local food or grow their own.
“We want to know if there are barriers to either buying food from local sources or growing food locally.
“And there’s an added incentive for those who fill out the survey – you could win one of 10 boxes of local, fresh and artisan food products.
“We’ve got the perfect climate and fabulous soil which offers the potential for growing a huge range of produce locally.”
The survey looks at fruit, vegetables, fungi (eg mushrooms), meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy, artisan baked and preserved foods that are made, grown, farmed or found (fished, hunted, gathered) locally.
Council is also interested in hearing – through the survey – from people who would consider having a Nature Strip Food Garden.
To be involved in the Local, Fresh and Artisan Food project go to www.yoursaywarrnambool.com.au
