We can't wait to start getting to know our local farmers and producers! First we thought we would share why we believe it's important to buy local. We understand that buying local takes extra effort and sometimes is more expensive, but think you'll see that there are great benefits.
- Greater control of what you're putting in your body.
Getting to know your farmer means you will know what kind of practices they use. Pesticides? Organic? The ever increasing amount of pesticides used in commercial crops is greatly concerning. Just last month it was made known that the toxic herbicide glyphosate was found in the breastmilk of American women. This after Monsanto (don't get me started) has claimed for years that it doesn't accumulate in the body. NOT OKAY!
- Freshest and most nutritious food available.
Most produce you find in the supermarket is picked 4-7 days before it hits the shelves and it travels 1500 miles to get there!! That is if it is even coming from the United States. Food starts to lose nutrients from the time it's picked. Local farmers are often picking produce the day before they go to market! This ensures you're getting the most nutrients possible!
- Support your local farmer!
Family farmers are a dying breed and rely on community support. By selling directly to the public they are able to cut out the middle man and get the full retail for their hard work.
Have you tasted a grocery store tomato? They're (usually) flavorless! Did you know those tomatoes are engineered for convenience? For instance 5 x 6 tomatoes are engineered to fit in a box roughly 5 rows by 6 columns. They're also picked green (even the "vine ripened" kind) and gassed for days to turn them that vibrant red. Local farmers are able to use a variety of different breeds full of delicious flavor.
- Support the local economy.
As much as twice the money stays in the local economy when you buy local! How can that not be a good thing?!
- More humane treatment of livestock.
Knowing your farmer couldn't be more important than when it comes to livestock. You can ensure that the meat you buy is of the best quality and comes from healthy animals raised with respect.
By committing to seasonal eating you will be experiencing a variety of new produce and even cuts of meat. It may be intimidating at first, but that's what we're here for!
We hope you will chose to reap the benefits of the wonderful products your local growers have to offer!
http://content.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1903632,00.html
http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_29697.cfm
http://www.localharvest.org/buylocal.jsp
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