Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
How to Buy Local Produce. A bean at a farmers' market travels an average of 101 miles from
farm to plate—as compared to 866 miles at a grocery store. Buy local produce to get
freshness, nutrition, and some very green beans. You will need A local farmers' market
A cloth bag or reused plastic bags Membership in a local Community Supported Agriculture
farm and a cookbook or food section from a newspaper. Step 1. Look in the local paper
and ask around to find out where and when there are farmers’ markets in your area.
Step 2. Visit the markets to see what produce is in season. Carry your own cloth bags—or
reuse plastic ones—to avoid using wasteful new packaging. Step 3. Ask farmers what fruits
and vegetables are coming soon. Many markets offer other local products, such as eggs,
cheese, honey, and even meat. Join a Community Supported Agriculture farm, supported by individuals
who pledge to pay for farming costs in return for delivery of fresh produce all season.
Look online to find one in your area. Step 4. Plan your up-coming meals around the fresh
local produce available now and in the coming weeks. Newspapers and regional or food magazines
often run seasonal food recipes, such as for local spring asparagus or summer tomatoes.
Step 5. Read the labels in your supermarket to determine where the produce comes from.
If you can’t identify any that is local, contact the manager and ask whether they offer
any—and let them know you’d buy it if it was available. Step 6. Throw a party or
host a dinner that features only locally grown produce. Show your friends the advantages
of buying local. Did you know Small local farms often preserve open space, help maintain
biodiversity, and use less water and pesticides than industrial agriculture.