Producers closer than one may think

A variety of quality food products is no more than 161 kilometres away.
That information is from the Moose Jaw Connecting As Neighbours Co-operative, which recently unveiled its 100 Miles of Producers 2009 directory, which provides contact information for a variety of local and nearby producers who provide Saskatchewan fruit, grains, meat, honey, eggs and vegetable products.
"Things just taste better when you get them locally," said directory creator Wendy Hendrickson, who works for Connecting As Neighbours.
She told the Times-Herald food that doesn't travel far distances is also generally healthier, as it is treated with fewer chemicals. As well, buying local food supports the local economy.
Aside from a list of producers, Hendrickson said the directory lists farmers' markets in the region, as well as stores and restaurants that offer local food options. The directory also provides information on local Christmas trees, hay and straw, pet food and mustard.
"Mustard kind of surprised me."
The region encompassed within the directory stretches south to the U.S. border, west to Swift Current, north to Hanley and east to Wolseley. It took six months for Connecting As Neighbours to create the directory.
In Moose Jaw, Hendrickson said "100 mile" food products are available at Alternative Roots Organics and Nutters, as well as local butcher shops.
Hendrickson said she began researching the directory using a University of Regina website that lists Saskatchewan producers. She also used Saskatchewan Fruits and Saskatchewan Organics websites.
From there, Hendrickson said networking with producers led to her finding many other producers to add to the current directory list.
"Once you start phoning, someone will tell you about someone else."
In case there are local producers missed in the directory, Hendrickson said there is a form in the directory allowing people to submit recommendations for future updated issues.
Directories are free of charge and available at the Connecting As Neighbours office, city hall, Alternative Roots Organics, Nutters and South Hill Fine Foods.
An online version can be found at www.connectingasneigbours.com.

Carter Haydu can be reached at 691-1265.