So where does my food come from and why does it matter?

For many of us, the location of the farmer who grew our food remains a mystery due to the long distances our food must travel to reach us. It has been estimated that in the US the average item of food has traveled 1500 to 2500 miles to reach your dinner table (see the WorldWatch report Home Grown).

Currently, FoodRoutes Network is working with the Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems (CIAS) at the University of Wisconsin to study the origins of the food we eat. The Wisconsin Foodshed Research Project is compiling information about a variety of different food items, including tomatoes, coffee, and chicken.

Except for those who eat only from their own vegetable gardens, it is virtually impossible to keep track of every aspect of their food. But if the average food item travels at least 1500 miles from unknown sources, how can you know anything about the way it was produced? How can you be sure that the food was processed safely? How can you know whether or not pesticides, GMOs, antibiotics, or growth hormones were used?

Read on to find out how to know where your food comes from.