Want to know the top 10 reasons for eating local? If you think 'the top ten' include a healthier and cleaner environment, better taste, fresher produce and more – you're right! Read on for more reasons.
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When we buy food from a local farmer, we support a neighbour.
According to a study by the New Economics Foundation in London, a dollar spent locally generates twice as much income for the local economy. Buying directly from the farmer at a farmers' market means that more money stays in your (and the farmers!) community.
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Locally grown produce is fresher.
While produce purchased from the supermarket or big-box store has been in transit or cold-stored possibly for weeks, produce that you purchase at your local farmers' market has often been picked within 24 hours. This freshness not only affects the taste of your food, but also the nutritional value which declines with time.
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Local food just plain tastes better.
Ever tried a tomato or a cob of sweet corn that was picked within 24 hours? Need we say more?
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Locally grown fruits and vegetables have longer to ripen.
Because the produce will be handled less, locally grown fruit does not have to stand up to the rigors of shipping long distances and will be given time to ripen naturally until the last possible minute on the vine.
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Eating local reduces our carbon footprint and is better for the environment.
Imported fruits and vegetables often travel many kilometres to get to our plate which is bad for our environment. When we eat local food, we're doing a perfectly simple, yet healthful thing for ourselves, our families and the earth.
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Buying local food keeps us in touch with the seasons.
By eating with the seasons, we are eating foods when they are at their peak taste, are the most abundant, and the least expensive. Canning and preserving fresh-picked fruits and vegetables for our long Ontario winters ensures a supply of fresh, locally produced food.
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Buying locally grown food is fodder for a wonderful story.
Whether it's the farmer who brings local apples to market or the baker who makes local bread, knowing part of the story about your food is a powerful part of enjoying a meal.
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Eating local protects us.
Food with less distance to travel from farm to plate has less susceptibility to harmful contamination.
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Local food translates to more variety.
When a farmer is producing food that will not have to travel a long distance, will have a shorter shelf life, and does not have a high-yield demand, the farmer is free to try small crops of various fruits and vegetables that would probably never make it to a large supermarket.
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Supporting local farmers and producers supports responsible land development.
When you buy from a local farmer/producer at a farmers' market, you give those with farms and pastures an economic reason to continue farming which helps to support one of Greenbelt Foundation's primary goals - the promotion of a viable and healthy agricultural sector.
Adapted with permission by the author. Originally written by Jennifer Maiser for www.eatlocalchallenge.com
