5 reasons to buy fresh, local and in season

It is my favorite time of year in Minnesota. The weather is getting cooler, life is getting more settled again after the busyness of summer, and the Farmer’s Markets are full of beautiful food. Not only is the food delicious, but also I appreciate being able to buy from local farmers and vendors. There are several reasons why this benefits my family, and the local community, as well as me.

As I prepare for a FREE class I am offering in October, I am thinking about how food allows us to thrive and how people around the world who live the longest with the least illness eat real, fresh food purchased locally and in season.

Eating food grown close to home is one of the choices that will help you to have more energy, eliminate aches and pains, have a clearer head, healthier skin and maintain a healthy weight.

These symptoms so many people live with every day take a tremendous toll. They impact family life, work life and social life. Each step you take towards nourishing your body well can help to lift that burden. Sign up for my free class to learn more about the choices you can take each day towards a nourished body and an end to these daily symptoms. And read more about the benefits of buying locally for some encouragement to get out to your local Farmer’s Market.

Benefits of buying locally

1. Transportation and environmental costs. The cost of fuel to transport foods from around the world to my local grocer is tremendous. One of the major drivers of food cost is transportation cost, and so buying locally can save money off my grocery bill. Transportation costs money, but also it creates pollution. Vehicles used to transport foods rely on fossil fuels for energy, emitting greenhouse gases – a contributor to climate change.
2. Eating seasonally. Historically we had no choice but to eat food that was fresh in the current season. Today, we have access to many options 12 months throughout the year. For our taste preferences, that has great benefit. But I like the idea of getting back to eating within the seasons. And from what we know about healthy populations around the world they eat in season all year long. Eating seasonally forces you to have greater diversity in your diet and allows for greater nutrient content when consumption can occur close to the time of harvest.
3. Community economics. Buying from local farmers helps to financially support the farmers and their families, which helps to support my local economy as well.
4. Knowing where food comes from. When I purchase directly from the farmer I can learn about their farming practices. Some farmers may choose to use sustainable and organic farming practices but may not have the financial ability to become certified organic. By talking to them I can learn how they grow their food and understand what I am really buying.
5. Food security. I want to have food grown in my area so there will always be food grown in my area. By supporting local farmers I am increasing the likelihood of them staying around for years into the future.

If you haven’t experienced the joy of your local farmer’s market, you must give it a try. There is no comparison to the experience of being outdoors with your neighbors shopping for fresh food. For some of the food purchases I need, being indoors in a fluorescent lighted store may be necessary, but the more I can enjoy the farmer’s market the happier I will be.

Finding a local farmer’s market

1. Minnesota Grown – online resource to find local farmer’s markets in Minnesota.
2. FarmStand – app to find nearby farmer’s markets when you are on the road.
3. USDA website – national farmer’s market directory.

Talk with your local farmer’s to learn where and how your food is grown. I know it will nourish your body and I believe it will nourish your spirit as well.

Happy shopping! And to learn more about the improvement you’ll see in your health when you are better nourished, join me for my free class.