Summer means that there is an abundance of fresh produce, and the local farmers seem to be everywhere selling it. Buying local produce is always the best option, and we should never undervalue it.
According to Local Harvest, "by doing so you'll be helping preserve the environment, and you'll be strengthening your community by investing your food dollar close to home. Only 18 cents of every dollar, when buying at a large supermarket, go to the grower. 82 cents go to various unnecessary middlemen. Cut them out of the picture and buy your food directly from your local farmer."
It takes approximately seven days for produce to arrive on the shelves of a supermarket. During that time the produce is losing its nutrient value. If you are purchasing produce that was grown in another country, the time of transport is even longer. Think of the fossil fuels that are being used to transport all of that produce and what that is doing to the environment.
One of the things I love about shopping from local farmers is that I can talk to the farmer face to face. I can look them in the eye and ask questions like when was this picked and is your produce grown organically or do you use pesticides.
Buying produce directly from the farmer helps to support local families. It puts money back into the local economy and helps to sustain the local tax base.
The best reason of all for buying local produce is that, not only is it better for us, it just simply tastes better. All in all it is a win win situation in leading a simple healthier life.
you remind me, I was going to look into box delivery now we are in the city again. For our mediterranean climate, the fruit we export, is virtual water leaving. I do aim to buy local and in season. Organic whenever possible.
I love going to our farmer's market! Nothing like fresh, local produce! I buy local whenever I can! Boy those peaches sure look yummy!!!! Linda mysewwhatblog
Yay! I love reading this support of local growers and I do think it helps spread the word. I remember reading the Kingsolver book a few years ago about their eating local for a year and thinking the practice hadn't a chance in the world of growing, but it has!
We have to be willing to pay the grower what it's worth. It's a bargain in the long run, as your post makes clear.
This is the best and healthiest time of year! We shopped the Public Market in Seattle when I was a little girl. It has evolved into one of the biggest tourist attractions in the city. Every Saturday to the Puyallup Farmers Market we go! Wonderful post, my friend! ~Lynne w/L
Great points, Laura. I'm so lucky that even though the farmer's market in my neighborhood is only open on Thursdays, I can go to neighboring suburbs other days of the week. There is also an agricultural school nearby and the student sell their fruits. veggies and flowers everyday. Love it!
Nothing beats local produce, [well maybe the stuff you grow yourself but...] we love our local farmer's markets, they are booming around here. I know just how much my Sister, and BIL depend on local customers for the produce on their farm, it's a short season that has to take them through the entire year.
I agree that it's best to buy local if you can. We grow a few things ourselves. That's the one thing I like most about summer is all the fresh vegetables sold everywhere since they are in season.
It really tastes so much better! I didn't like peaches until I had one organically grown. It's amazing how much flavor is missing from the grocery store bought ones.
All verbal donations to my comment box are gratefully accepted. It is free for you and priceless to me. Please note that comments with links will be deleted.
I'm Laura. Welcome to Simple and Serene Living. I've worn many hats in my life on this fabulous planet; daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend. This space is one of my favorite hats.
I love shopping locally. I hate to see small farmers go under for lack of sales.
ReplyDeleteyou remind me, I was going to look into box delivery now we are in the city again.
ReplyDeleteFor our mediterranean climate, the fruit we export, is virtual water leaving.
I do aim to buy local and in season.
Organic whenever possible.
I love going to our farmer's market! Nothing like fresh, local produce! I buy local whenever I can!
ReplyDeleteBoy those peaches sure look yummy!!!!
Linda
mysewwhatblog
Oh does it EVER taste better, yes!!
ReplyDeleteOh does it EVER taste better, yes!!
ReplyDeleteYay! I love reading this support of local growers and I do think it helps spread the word. I remember reading the Kingsolver book a few years ago about their eating local for a year and thinking the practice hadn't a chance in the world of growing, but it has!
ReplyDeleteWe have to be willing to pay the grower what it's worth. It's a bargain in the long run, as your post makes clear.
Good job!
Dewena
This is the best and healthiest time of year!
ReplyDeleteWe shopped the Public Market in Seattle when I was a little girl. It has evolved into one of the biggest tourist attractions in the city.
Every Saturday to the Puyallup Farmers Market we go!
Wonderful post, my friend!
~Lynne
w/L
Great points, Laura. I'm so lucky that even though the farmer's market in my neighborhood is only open on Thursdays, I can go to neighboring suburbs other days of the week. There is also an agricultural school nearby and the student sell their fruits. veggies and flowers everyday. Love it!
ReplyDeleteJane x
Great pics Laura. My favorite pass time in the warm weather is to visit farmers markets. Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteThe farmers markets are really getting going now here...always fun and lots of good food!
ReplyDeleteNothing beats local produce, [well maybe the stuff you grow yourself but...] we love our local farmer's markets, they are booming around here. I know just how much my Sister, and BIL depend on local customers for the produce on their farm, it's a short season that has to take them through the entire year.
ReplyDeleteJen
I agree that it's best to buy local if you can. We grow a few things ourselves. That's the one thing I like most about summer is all the fresh vegetables sold everywhere since they are in season.
ReplyDeleteIt really tastes so much better! I didn't like peaches until I had one organically grown. It's amazing how much flavor is missing from the grocery store bought ones.
ReplyDeletexo,
rue