Have you ever stopped to wonder where the food you eat comes from? How far it has traveled to get to you? Whether the quality and nutritional value suffered along the way?

Two British Columbia residents did. On a whim in the spring of 2005 Alison Smith and James MacKinnon decided to change the way they ate. They decided that for an entire year they would only eat food produced within a 100-mile radius from their home in Vancouver.

Though it sounds a bit crazy, there are some good reasons to do so.

• Produce that’s picked just hours before you buy it is fresher, retains its nutritional value, and tastes better.

• Getting food at a local market, especially a farmer’s market, gives you the opportunity to get to know the history of the food you buy. Is it treated? Genetically modified? Organic? What were the chickens fed?

• Eating only food produced close to you is a great reason to start a vegetable and herb garden. With a little planning you can harvest various crops from early spring until late fall. If you don’t have a yard try container farming on a balcony or look for community gardens in your area.

• You’ll become more creative with the food you use. Canning and preserving foods while they’re fresh will ensure that you can continue to enjoy them all year round.

• By eating foods that are produced close to home you play a part in reducing greenhouse gases. Local food does not have to be air freighted or driven as far to reach you, meaning less gas and oil are consumed. Score one for the environment!

• When you shop for locally-sourced food products you support small and family owned businesses in your area. Most of all, the money you spend stays in the local economy and helps your business neighbours remain viable.

Smith and MacKinnon adopted their local food regimen on the spur of the moment and admit that they found it difficult at first. They say that doing research in advance and developing a plan would have made it easier. Instead they figured it out by the seat of their pants. But they acknowledge that their 100-mile diet was a lot of fun and well worth the effort.

Eating locally for a day or even a meal now and then is a fun and satisfying challenge. You’ll be eating healthfully, supporting your small business community, and reducing pollution.

Why not give it a try? You have nothing to lose.