The Benefits of Locally Grown Food

Do you know where your food comes from?  (NOTE: the Dad joke response, “the grocery store” is not what I mean :) )

I’m talking about the actual FARM where it was produced.  And speaking of grocery stores, so many more of them are carrying (and highlighting) locally grown foods … which is fantastic.

There are SO MANY BENEFITS to buying locally grown/raised foods.

First, it's supporting a local business, which is always a plus for the health of the local economy.

But there are also benefits to YOU!

1 - Local produce is allowed to ripen on the vine, which means it has more nutrients.  Most non-local produce has to be picked early in order to safely make the long journey to your grocery store (and not over-ripen in the process).

2 - Local produce is fresher – which means more nutrients.  The quicker the trip from the farm to your table, the more nutrients your food retains.

3 - You can get access to more produce varieties, especially heirloom veggies & fruits, boosting the number of micronutrients you eat!  Most large farms that ship their produce long distances stick to varieties that are tough enough to make the trip.

4 - This depends on the farm, but organic local farmers use healthier, more sustainable farming practices in order to maintain their certification.  This can lower exposure to certain pesticides and other chemicals, which can be better for the local environment.

It’s win-win-win all the way around:  fresh, healthy food that tastes great and is good for you – and also good for the local economy and environment!

(Plus it perfectly aligns with my Clean-It Up! Challenge <<)

Make it a healthy day,

REFERENCES:

www.uvm.edu/vtvegandberry/factsheets/buylocal.html

https://rodaleinstitute.org/blog/why-local-food-is-better-for-you/