Food Miles
What are Food Miles?
Define food miles and understand their impact
Food miles refer to the distance that food travels from the point of production to the point of consumption. It’s an estimate of how far food moves through the supply chain—covering production, processing, packaging, transportation, and distribution.
The term "food miles" is commonly used to measure the environmental impact of food, especially in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and the energy used in transport. In general, the more food miles something travels, the more carbon emissions it generates, contributing to climate change. That’s why there's a growing movement to buy locally grown food and reduce food mileage.
What Is Food Mileage for Grocery Store Produce?
How far do your greens really travel?
It's difficult to pinpoint an exact number, but studies estimate that the average food mileage for produce and greens sold in U.S. grocery stores ranges from 1,500 to 2,500 miles.
This number varies depending on factors like seasonality, regional growing conditions, and consumer demand. Some items may come from nearby farms, while others are shipped internationally—adding up to thousands of food miles before reaching your plate.
How Do Long Food Miles Affect Produce and Greens?
The impact of traveling 1,500+ miles on your food
When produce and greens travel over long distances—often more than 1,500 to 2,500 miles—they may be affected in several key ways:
Nutritional Value: Longer travel times mean more time off the plant, which can reduce nutrient levels. Local produce is often more nutritious simply because it's fresher.
Freshness: The quality of flavor, texture, and appearance may decline when produce is picked early and shipped far.
Environmental Impact: Long-distance transport increases greenhouse gas emissions and consumes more energy and packaging materials.
Economic Impact: More transportation means higher costs, which are often passed on to consumers.
While some items hold up well, many lose both quality and nutritional value along the way—and the environmental costs are considerable.
Why Reducing Food Miles Matters
The benefits of buying local and cutting food mileage
Reducing food miles offers multiple advantages:
Environmental Benefits: Lower transportation needs mean fewer greenhouse gas emissions and less energy use.
Economic Benefits: Supporting local farms keeps money in your community and helps small farmers thrive.
Health Benefits: Locally grown food is often fresher and more nutrient-dense.
Social Benefits: Local food systems build stronger community ties and preserve local food cultures.
By choosing local, seasonal produce, you’re not just eating fresher—you’re also helping create a more sustainable, connected food system.
