I would say that's not really true. Of course there's ethical concerns about eating most plants, regardless of whether a specific person holds those concerns or not. Eating local has been an important ethical push since before veganism ever took the spotlight. In my state, it's always been about "eat local, save the environment" and "eat local, support our farmers". Always.

I grew up knowing that a local clam chowder was simply the right option over getting corn shipped in from Idaho. We have some local corn farmers and I'll buy a bag every year at harvest time, but otherwise I don't eat corn.

In return, you better believe people DO have local-food recipes that try to replicate non-local foods. We do curries of local veg instead of traditional veg (despite the presence of Asian markets), etc etc.

It's just that it's easier to make a good and balanced meal without "Faking it" when that meal contains meat.