Grab your favorite tote bag, because we’re heading to the farmers market!
Spring, summer, and early fall are the best time to focus on eating as local as possible. If you live in a community with a thriving farmers market, you know firsthand how fun it is to peruse those tables overflowing with kale, cucumbers, peas, apples, and so much more. It’s a wonderful way to spend a weekend morning, but the benefits don’t stop there. There are so many reasons to eat as local as possible, so make it a goal to support your local farmers and beekeepers this season.
Reason #1: Lower environmental impact
Because food isn’t being transported from state to state or traveling hundreds of miles, the environmental impact is greatly reduced. Eating locally also reduces your dependence on plastic packaging; those cucumbers probably aren’t shrink-wrapped like they are at the grocery store.
Reason #2: Fewer pesticides
Not all local produce is grown organically, but much of it is! If you’re concerned with the use of pesticides, fertilizer, and other chemicals, eating local produce can help minimize that risk. When you get to know the local farmers, you’ll also get a closer look at how your food is grown.
Reason #3: Allergy remedies
Have you heard that eating local honey can help soothe allergies? There’s never been a better time to get to know your local beekeepers! In addition, there’s nothing more delicious than iced sun tea sweetened with honey, or a drizzle on top of ice cream or fresh berries. (Or both!)
Reason #4: Fresher flavors
How long were those strawberries sitting at the grocery store? Since food typically has to travel from place to place before it ends up in your kitchen, those berries and broccoli may not be as fresh as what you’d find at the farmers market. Farmers market food is usually picked and harvested just a few days before it is sold—and you can taste the difference! Plus, local produce is often more nutritious since it hasn’t been subjected to long-term storage.
Reason #5: Getting involved in your community
It’s not all about food; it’s also about connection. Supporting local farmers, growers, ranchers, and beekeepers is an easy way to get to know your neighbors and fuel your local economy. When you buy your weekly groceries from a neighboring farm, you’re keeping that money in your community. Farmers markets also frequently support local artists, musicians, and nonprofit organizations, so if you’re trying to get more involved with your hometown, it’s a smart place to start!