The concept of “food kilometers” is hardly new, but as the effects of human-induced climate change become ever more apparent, it’s worth examining how our food buying habits impact the natural environment. Broadly speaking, “food kilometers” refers to the distance food is transported from supplier to consumer, and are an important factor to consider when assessing the environmental impact of food choices.

Snowden Farms, a small-scale farm about 80 KM east of Toronto in Enniskellen, Ontario, produces non-GMO, free-range beef and poultry free of hormones and antibiotics. Farmer John Snowden employs the highest standard of animal care, raising his calves on site and feeding a natural grass and hay-based diet. 

As a small local farm, Snowden Farms uses fewer natural resources like fossil fuels, land and feed for transport and production compared to industrial animal farming operations, which have

 numerous harmful environmental effects.  When you buy from smaller, local farms, you support farming practices that emit fewer greenhouse gasses, prevent the clearcutting of land for the farming of animals and feed grains and support the preservation of the natural habitat and its native plant and animal species. 

And let’s not forget about the amount of plastics required for the packaging, preservation and transport of industrially produced foods. Shopping local means less waste and fewer plastics ending up in landfills.  

Nestled on a rented acre of land about 20km outside of Guelph, Ontario, Healing Hands Farm is a labour of love for founders Michaela Cruz and Dan Fuller.  The two crossed paths while working as bike couriers in their home town of Toronto and came about their shared passion for farming honestly, with Dan having grown up on his grandfather’s farm and Michaela possessing a degree in Plant Agriculture from the University of Guelph.  Together they have built a humble and ecologically sustainable farm focused on holistic healing.

Healing Hands Farm specializes in producing Asian greens, culinary herbs and cultural staples like root veggies, kale and garlic, in addition to a selection of hand-made soaps made from skin-healing plant-based ingredients like turmeric, lavender, and calendula.