You may know that eating fruits and vegetables is good for your body, but don’t realize that buying them from local farms can be more beneficial than shopping at the supermarket. The local food trend is on the rise, but many are still wondering if it’s worth the hype. Is local food healthier? What are the differences between those sold in farmers’ markets and in the supermarket? Discover the answers and learn how to incorporate them into your diet.
What Is Considered Locally Grown Food?
Locally grown food is anything produced within a certain radius of where it’s bought and consumed. There is no agreed-upon definition, but the 2008 Farm Bill defined it as food grown and transported 400 miles or within the same state.
It’s easy to get confused with the difference between this and organically grown products. Organic is a label indicating that the product is grown using sustainable agricultural practices — without pesticides, fertilizers and synthetic ingredients, among others. Meanwhile, local food is distributed in a specific geographic area.
Is Eating Locally Grown Food Healthier for You?
While there’s no universally accepted definition, locally sourced foods are generally understood to be those purchased from nearby markets and farmers. They’re considered healthier than imported foods because the shorter time between harvest and consumption preserves more nutrients. Imported items pass through various phases before they get to your plate, which can decrease their nutritional value.
Increased access and consumption of local produce provide health benefits, such as decreased risk of heart diseases and specific cancers. It lets you enjoy foods at their optimum ripeness when nutritional value is highest.
Eating local food is healthier because it can also improve your social wellness. Buying from local stores or farmers boosts social ties and civic pride. You learn about your food’s origins by talking with the people who grow it. Knowing this information can help you become a more mindful consumer and appreciate food production and agriculture. You’ll also be able to support small farmers financially, contributing to the local economy’s growth.
Is Local Food More Expensive Than Supermarket Food?
While some local foods may be more expensive, this is not always true. For instance, prices tend to decrease when the food is in season. In general, farmer markets have relatively stable pricing.
Other Benefits of Eating Local Foods
Now that you know eating locally grown food is healthier for you, you may wonder about its other advantages. Incorporating regional produce into your diet may not be the most convenient, but these benefits will prove why it’s worth it in the long run.
- You Can Enjoy Seasonal Food
Choosing local foods encourages seasonal eating. If you frequent the market often, check the stalls and talk to vendors about what can be eaten now and what’s coming soon. The natural cycle of produce is also related to your health, and incorporating seasonal foods can help support your wellness better. For instance, leafy greens are abundant in spring, which helps boost serotonin and dopamine levels after a gloomy winter.
- It’s an Investment in Your Community
Shopping from a local producer helps sustain and create jobs, especially when 30.7 million small businesses in the U.S. employ around half of the private workforce. By supporting the farmers in your area, you’ll help ensure their trades will continue.
- It’s Sustainable
Eating locally sourced foods is also healthier for the planet, reducing the need for fuel-intensive transportation. This decrease in food miles lowers the carbon footprint of food distribution. Moreover, local farmers often employ sustainable methods, contributing to less soil and water pollution.
- It Reduces Food Waste
When food travels short distances, there’s a lesser risk of spoilage while in transit. This reduces food waste, which is critical in the movement toward sustainability.
Tips for Eating Locally Sources Food
Here are some steps to start your local food diet.
- Do Your Research
Write all the food groups and items you usually eat. Do an online search or ask your neighbors which farms or food producers offer these in your area. Going to the nearest farmers’ market is a good way to familiarize yourself with the offerings.
- Grow a Garden
Growing herbs, fruits and vegetables in your backyard can help you save money. It’s the easiest way to get access to locally grown foods. Here’s how easy it is to start your own garden:
- Consider what to plant: Do you want a herb or vegetable garden? Plant ones you and your family will eat or are willing to try to avoid food waste.
- Pick the right spot: See which spots receive ample sun, then choose a relatively flat area with easy water access for your garden.
- Test your soil: Conduct a soil test through your cooperative extension office. They can help you tell you about its nutrient levels and other ways to improve it.
- Grow plants from seeds: Many vegetables and herbs can be grown from seeds. If you have a container garden, consider fast-growing plants like carrots and lettuce.
- Shop at Farmers’ Market
Skip the grocery store and opt for the farmers’ market to access local produce. You’ll find varieties of vegetables, fruits, cheese, eggs and more throughout the season. Plus, you can also communicate with the people who grow those foods and ask anything about the products before buying. Make it a weekly habit to get the most out of the freshest options.
- Research Your Restaurants
Look for farm-to-table establishments before dining out. These restaurants offer menus with details about the origins of their ingredients, making it easier for consumers to eat sustainably.
- Learn About Seasonal Eating
Eating in tune with the seasons ensures freshness and high nutritional value and reduces the environmental impacts of out-of-season foods. Familiarize yourself with what produce is available in your area during the season. That way, you can focus on adding them to your meals, encouraging creativity in the kitchen. Take this opportunity to educate your kids about the benefits of locally grown food to get them excited about trying healthier options.
Support Locally Grown Food
Choosing locally grown food offers benefits beyond just health. It improves your well-being and supports the economy and the environment. It’s a win-win situation for everyone, so try it today — go to the farmers’ market and maybe experiment with a new recipe.
