How Far Does Your Food Travel to Get to Your Plate?

Quite far, it turns out. The average American meal travels about 1,500 miles to get from farm to plate — which translates into a significant greenhouse gas output for transporting foodstuffs over long distances. This short-subject article outlines the environmental argument for buying food produced closer to home. Includes a comparison of “food mile” distances for items on sale at markets in Chicago and San Francisco.