With the passing of another earth day, I found it was important to address the practice of eating locally grown foods. In a world of industrial agriculture, we have forgotten how our food is grown. We may not even be aware of where our food is coming from before it arrives packaged in plastic and colorfully displayed at our local supermarket. As a consumer, I believe it is important to know where your food is grown and make it a point to promote local agriculture. There are various reasons why buying locally produced goods is a positive act. Purchasing locally grown food supports the local economy and helps keep small farmers in business by providing income. It is especially thoughtful to support ‘organic’ and ‘transitioning’ farmers whose sustainable and environmentally conscious practices are bettering the planet and production of crops. Farmers that thrive are able to preserve their farmland from exploitation. This rerouting of profits from larger corporations into the hands of hard working nearby farmers has its clear benefits for the community.
Eating locally is a sustainable practice. According to writer Michael Pollan, food travels around 1,500 miles from the farm to your plate. When we consider the amount of fossil fuels used in transporting for example, asparagus from Chile to the northern United States, the amount of energy required for transport is actually more than the amount of energy the consumer will gain from eating the asparagus. Locally grown produce clearly has a smaller carbon footprint and therefore less of a negative impact on the planet.
Unsurprisingly, local food often tastes better because it is fresher, unlike produce that has to travel a great distance and is often picked early to compensate for the journey it makes to the supermarket. Crops that are picked closer to their ripeness also contain more nutrients than those that are picked prematurely. A crop higher in nutrients is better for the consumer to sustain a healthy lifestyle.
Over the past decade or so, eating locally grown produce has become more accessible. This is important to people who may live in cities or suburban areas, as well as low-income families and those with disabilities. Many restaurants are now making a point to serve locally grown items or plan their menus based on what’s in season in the area. Most supermarkets are now carrying some locally grown produce as well. Farmer’s markets are abound and found in most communities including cities. CSA, a direct to consumer program where a share of the harvest is purchased from a small farm, is increasing in popularity and can often be delivered directly to the consumer’s home. In New York City, many greenmarkets accept EBT and SNAP programs. All of these advancements are improving the farm to consumer relationship.
Ultimately, by supporting local growing, you are cultivating your local community. Be sure to check out your local farmers market for the coming spring season. You never know what farmer you might meet or what fruits, vegetables, meats, or other surprising produce you might find! For further reading about local eating and community food systems check out works by Michael Pollan and Josh Trought.
Take a look at Local Harvest to find a Farmer’s Market, Farm, or CSA near you:
