There are many reasons why buying local food is always a good idea. Not only are you supporting your local community, but you are also getting healthier food that tastes better. You are able to know exactly where your food is coming from and who grew it.
Fruits and vegetables are not the only foods you can get locally. Depending on where you live, you can also get honey, meats, cheeses, milk, eggs, baked goods, and much more. Farmer’s markets are a great place to shop for local foods.
Many towns have seasonal farmer’s markets where you can buy locally. In addition, some grocery stores will also carry locally produced foods year-round. Sometimes you can even buy directly from the farmer.
Supports Your Community
When you buy local food, you are putting money right into your community. Instead of supporting some large corporation, you are supporting your neighbors. This also allows the land around you to be kept for locally producing and growing foods, instead of being sold for commercial purposes.
The Food is Healthier and Fresher
When you buy food that is local, it is much fresher than buying from the grocery stores. It can take several days for food to reach grocery stores, as it can come from across the country and even the world. When buying locally, the food can go from farm to table the very same day.
Locally grown food also contains more nutrients. Since it’s not sitting around in a distribution center or traveling in a truck, it doesn’t lose valuable nutrients over time. Produce will also have more flavor, as it is not harvested early in order to be ripe by the time it gets to the store.
It is Better for the Environment
When food is grown and produced locally, it is not being transported across hundreds or even thousands of miles before making it to your home. This reduces the use of fossil fuels that not only burn energy but also pollute the air.
In addition, well-managed farms also preserve the environment. Farmers help to conserve fertile soil and protect local water sources.
You Know Where Your Food is Coming From
When buying locally, you know where the food is coming from. You are able to know that it is grown and produced right in your community and you can even meet the farmers. With food purchased from grocery stores, you sometimes have no idea where it comes from, let alone who grew it.
Saves on Packaging
Many grocery stores use lots of packing, especially plastic when selling food. When buying locally, you are cutting back on plastic. Most items sold locally have limited packaging and you can even bring your own reusable bags.
Going Local
Whenever you can, it is always a good idea to buy local foods. You will be surprised by just how many types of foods can be bought locally. Not only do they taste better and are healthier, but you are also supporting your community while helping the environment.
Do you have any questions about buying food locally? If so, please ask them in the comments.
Green Living Zone
Donald Giddings is founder and editor in chief at Green Living Zone. A lifelong sustainability enthusiast, Donald is always looking for the best way to live in harmony with nature. When he is not trying out new eco-friendly recipes, he writes engaging content about green, sustainable ways to maintain your home, body, and soul, readily sharing his abundant experience with other green living aficionados.
