Why it Pays to Buy & Eat Locally Grown Food

At first glance, it may seem more expensive – those plump, fresh heirloom tomatoes compared to the packaged waxy ones imported by the truckload from somewhere. But buying locally grown food pays off in more ways than just your pocket book. Purchasing and consuming food grown in your community is not only most likely better for you, it is also good for your local economy, the environment and the overall well-being of the planet.

Food grown locally is fresher than what you’ll find in your local supermarket. Often, purchasing your food from a farmer’s market or roadside stand means the food has been harvested within the past 24 hours or so. Instead of food that is picked under-ripe and then shipped internationally or over thousands of miles, you’ll know that locally grown food was harvested hours before it ends up on your table. There is also a good chance that locally grown food is organic and in-season – this means there is less need for preservative sprays or that any toxic chemicals have been used in the production.

Organic food grown locally and purchased from the grower is likely to be less expensive than organic food purchased in your supermarket. You’re not paying for the mark-up of packaging and shipping.

Supporting local growers is good for your local economy. Local growers provide decent-wage jobs for your neighbors and, often, local farms provide volunteer and work opportunities for community youth. These connections only serve to strengthen communities and the connections between consumers and food producers. It is also common for local farms to donate excess produce to food banks and social service organizations that serve the homeless and underprivileged. By spending your money locally, the effects can be important and far-reaching.

Since locally grown food doesn’t need to travel as far to reach your table, you are supporting conservation efforts – less fuel and pollution is used and you are helping to build a local food supply in the instance that future international supplies are limited or become too expensive due to travel, fuel costs or political uncertainty. Additionally, eating “in season” means that less artificial means are used to produce your food. This means less energy and less pollution.

Local organic farms make good neighbors and the land used for organically managed food production contributes to a healthy environment and stable ecosystems,as well as a healthy water supply for your community. This also saves money in the long run – no need for expensive community cleanup or water restoration. By choosing to buy from organic food growers, you’ll be participating in this environmental improvements.

There is no denying that fresh, organic, locally grown food is good for you and your family. The less time from field to table means more vitamins and minerals remain in the food. Fresh food tastes better, making it more likely food will be heartily consumed and less will rot or be wasted.

So, the next time you’re shopping for food, look beyond the obvious price tag when you consider the costs of purchasing food. By buying locally grown food, you’ll be getting more than your money’s worth!