Supporting small, local businesses is a wonderful way to boost your local economy. The concept of shopping small doesn’t begin and end with choosing a local farm supply over a national chain or frequenting a family owned diner over Chili’s. Shopping small extends to buying food straight from the source.
Locally grown food is full of flavor.
When food is grown, purchased, and consumed locally, the crops can be harvested at peak ripeness rather than early. This is a lesson I learned first hand the first time I visited Riggs Orchard and ate a peach straight off a tree. I have dreams about that peach. It has ruined me for store bought. Many times produce at local markets has been picked within 24 hours of your purchase.
Eating local food is eating seasonally
Just because we have access to most fruits and vegetables anytime we want, that does not mean the crops are bringing their best. They’re doing the best they can, but a summer grapefruit is never going to be good, no matter how much I want it to be. Seasonal produce is full of flavor and tastes better.
Local food has more nutrients
Local food has a shorter time between harvest and your table, and it is less likely that the nutrient value has decreased. Food imported from far-away states and countries is often older, has traveled, and sits in distribution centers before it gets to your store. Think about it. Are you worse for wear after a long trip? Yes, and so is that tomato.
Local food supports the local economy.
The money that is spent with local farmers and growers all stays close to home and is reinvested with businesses and services in your community.
Local food benefits the environment.
By purchasing locally grown foods you help maintain farmland and green and/or open space in your community.
Local foods promote a safer food supply.
The fewer steps between you and your food’s source, the fewer chances for contamination.
Local growers can tell you how the food was grown.
Boy, can they. This is another lesson I learned when I visited Riggs Orchard. I know more about peach pits than I ever thought possible to know, and I only know a fraction of what Mr. Riggs knows. Ask questions. Local producers are happy to talk about their work, and you’ll be able to fill any lull in conversation with, “The interesting thing about peach pits is…” for the rest of your life.
Ryanne Harper
