In the summer months, the Wainfleet mayor grows fresh vegetables in her backyard and enjoys purchasing locally grown produce at farmers markets throughout the region. Henderson and her husband also run a cash crop operation on their Wainfleet farm.

When Niagara Region council formed an eat-local sub-committee, Henderson was eager to be a part of it.

"I view eating local as part of a way to support local agriculture," said Henderson. "It's key to the economic state of the region and to individual farmers in our region."

When not enjoying products from her own backyard or from local farmers, Henderson said she is conscious of labels when shopping at grocery stores.

"I try to eat as much local food as I can," she said.

The committee aims to come up with new ways to encourage residents to eat food grown locally.

The committee held a food forum earlier this month with various stakeholders as part of a process to develop an action plan on developing a buy-local strategy for Niagara. While there are outlets for buying and promoting local food, including the Niagara Culinary Trail and the Niagara Local Food Co-op, which will open in September, Henderson said more can be done to encourage the buy-local lifestyle, and that is what the committee is all about.

"There are a lot of benefits to eating local," said Henderson. "It's not only a health choice, but it has a good economic impact on our region."

The region has taken a lead on the eat-local movement. A discussion paper on the subject is available online at www.regional.niagara.on.ca.