In the quest to find local food, Kim and I spent the afternoon out and about town and the surrounds.
First, we went to the supermarket to get some milk and yoghurt which we know is locally produced. I am going to make some Caerphilly cheese with the milk this afternoon as our supply is running low.
We picked up a few other things, like Mission corn chips that are reportedly from Melbourne, but no indication if the corn is from around here. We wanted to make sure that there was no Palm oil in the product as most chips are made with, and these were cooked in canola oil. Not sure if they fit in with the diet totally, but the best we could do besides make them ourselves.
I then stopped by the butcher to get some casserole beef for the evening meal. I waited at the counter patiently and when served, I said the young butcher, “Where does the meat come from?”. He replied, “The neck!” It was at this point that Kim, in fits of laughter had to make a quick exit and pretend to look in a shop window whilst holding back the giggles. I replied, “No, where was the meat grown, in Victoria?” “Yes, in Victoria, I think.” Without wanting to embarrass the young lad any more, I bought the meat and put it in the ‘must try harder’ basket for next time.
We then drove to Bacchus Marsh, down the Avenue of Honour, to our favourite fruit and veg shop, Jones Plants and Produce. We bought some local peaches, nectarines, apricots, and cherries. Kim then picked up 2 avocados, origin unknown. I frowned, but let it slip.
On the way back we noticed that there was a slaughterhouse called Westside Meat. I have sent them an email to see if they source local livestock and if they supply any of the local butchers in Melton. I am yet to receive a reply and will ring them today. Kim rang one of the larger butchers in Melton, Tasman Meats, and they told her that they source all of their fresh meat and poultry from Victoria. Not exactly telling us where, but not too bad.
When we got home, I received a reply email from Lauke Flour Mills which I discovered had a mill at Bridgewater on Loddon, which is in my local area. Here is the reply;
Lisa
Administrative Clerk
Laucke Flour Mills
So far, I think we are doing pretty well, and it has certainly opened my eyes to where a lot our food originates from. Major update on Sunday morning.
You are so lucky to live near the Laucke mill, I always use their mixes so that would be way more than 160km from us. BUT I did find the Hawkesbury Harvest Trail website which has lots of produce that we can buy either from the farmers market or the farmgate well within the distance so maybe I will give 100 mile challenge a go after all. Might have to resort to growing my own rice and I have just ordered some tea and coffee bushes from Daleys.
Keep up the good work and inspiration x Deb
Hi Gavin Kim and Family,
I think your new endevour is brilliant. Local food , great neutrition, low chemicals, and buggar all food miles….FANTASTIC
Well done
Phil
Great project.
My name is Gavin. I’m on the commitee of the Geeelong Organic Gardeners and have 5 acres 35 km NW of G. I did a book review of the Animal Veg Miracle bk last year.
I’ve just bought a post hole digger to build the extra pens i’ll need for sustainable chook provisio for one eaten a week, 50per year. You can kep goats and pigs in small areas. A milking goat would be a gem. Yu could save heaps. Feed with hay = get milk and one day old soft cheeses
Of course more greens and veg and legumes is better than more animals.
The Irish (and I wa born there) lived off potatoes and butter milk solely as sufficent diet to sustain humans, but you had to leave the skins on to get the vit C. I think I read that in Michel Pollans A+++ Botany of Desire but all his witings are great.
Good health.
Well done. Eating more locally is one of my big goals this year. I live in southern california so fruit and veges have been really easy to source locally, but we need to do better when it comes to the limited meat we eat as well as our grains, beans and dairy.
Is the grain grown where it is milled for flour?
Have a look at this forum about locally sourced supplies within 160km (100 miles) of Ballarat: http://www.breaze.org.au/resources/forum/17-our-local-food-list
Looks really useful! Some things may be a bit out of date…
Rosemary
Thanks for the comments one and all.
@ Deb,
I am so proud of you for giving the 100 mile diet a go. I will be watching for tips!
@ Phil,
Thanks mate. You are great support as always. Looking forward to dinner on Saturday night. Going to try for a 100% local meal.
@ Gavin,
Nice to hear from another namesake. Unfortunately I don’t have the room on my 779 sqm block as there is a pool in the back yard. All my gardens are out the front and to the east and west of the house. Maybe a seagoat?
@ Mia,
Thanks. You are in the right place for fruit and veggies, that is for sure. Isn’t California the salad bowl of the US?
@ Deb,
Good question. I have assumed as it is in the middle of the Victorian Wheat belt, that the grain is local. I will ask them.
@ Rosemary,
Thanks for the link. It does look useful as my local radius extends past Ballarat just past Arrarat.
Gav