Buying from local farmers has many benefits:
- less gasoline is used to ship the produce
- it is fresher and therefore has more potent vitamins
- it supports your local economy
- it makes you feel good
here's what I'm going to do:
This year I started taking part in a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program. I gave money in the spring to an organic farm for one share. That one share means one full bag of produce every week through the growing season. They also partner with local orchards and dairies so sometimes I get fruit and cheese.
They have several pick-up locations. I chose one close to my work. During lunch every Monday I go pick up my bag of produce. It has been fun to see what I get and to make tasty meals from it. I also have had such an abundance of beans that I blanched some and froze them so I can use them in the fall and winter.
I also want to go visit my local farmers market. There is one in downtown Salt Lake but I think there is also one closer to where I live. I think I'm going to visit to see what the selection is there. I love the idea of the farmers market because I think it not only helps to boost local business but it also fosters a sense of community.