Why eat local, seasonal food?
The local food movement has been a decades-long effort (almost 40 years!) to improve local economies, develop more self-reliant food networks, and generate a greater appreciation for healthy food and healthy land.
I believe that to create secure, sustainable local food systems we must accept and be willing to fight for the value local food brings to our lives.
We have to choose to value things that make us healthy, thriving, contributing individuals in our communities and the evidence is strong that when we care for our body and mind, we have more to give to others.
Valuing eating local is appreciating the land that nourishes you.
Valuing eating local is respecting the work of farmers, ranchers, and small food businesses.
Valuing eating local is cherishing your health and well-being over convenience.
Valuing eating local is fueling your body with nutritionally dense food so you can thrive.
When we all take small steps to pause and consider where our food comes from, who grew it, and what resources went into producing it (land, water, people, machinery, energy, etc) we will begin to understand the true value of a potato, pea, or steak.
I invite you to reflect on the value of your food!...
Where did it come from?
How did it get to you?
Who cared for the food so you can nourish yourself?
To get your mind going, here are 5 compelling reasons to eat local food:
Locally grown food is full of flavor. When grown locally, the crops are picked at their peak of ripeness versus being harvested early in order to be shipped and distributed to your local retail store. Most produce at local markets has been picked within 24-48 hours of your purchase. Because the food isn't being transported across the country, the local farmers can grow varieties that weren't bred specifically for shelf life. The perfect example is an heirloom tomato. If you've ever had one, you know the flavor is straight from the garden. You can't find that in a grocery store.
Local food has more nutrients. Local food has a shorter time between harvest and your table, and it is less likely that the nutrient value has decreased. Food imported from far-away states and countries is often older, has traveled long distances, and sits in distribution centers before it gets to your store. Locally grown food is on your kitchen table within a few days instead of a few weeks.
Local food supports the local economy and community. The money spent with local farmers and growers stays close to home and is reinvested in businesses and services in your community. The average farmer only makes $0.08-$0.12 of every dollar, whereas local farmers in local food systems will make $0.50-$0.75 of each dollar. When farmers and ranchers can realize more of the food dollar we help build local food systems. If a farmer can't make a living farming, then who will grow your food? All these local dollars make our local food system more robust and secure.
Local foods promote a safer food supply. The more steps between you and your food’s source the more chances there are for contamination. Food grown in distant locations has the potential for food safety issues at harvesting, washing, shipping, and distribution. All of our employees and farmers are trained for food safety and we get inspected by the state to make sure our handling of your food is safe. With fewer steps in the food system come fewer opportunities for food contamination.
Local growers can tell you how the food was grown. You can ask what practices they use to raise and harvest the crops or animals. When you know where your food comes from and who grew it, you know a lot more about that food. Whether you are concerned about organic or not, you will know what your farmers' practices are. Want to meet them? Want a tour to see for yourself? Your farmers are accessible with an email or phone call. This directly builds community, investment in people, and investment in our environment.
We are here to help you learn about the farmers and the land that supports and nourishes you and your family.
Let's build a strong local food system we are proud of together!