7 Benefits of Eating Locally

If you’ve ever enjoyed treats from the farmers market on a Saturday morning, you know how enjoyable it is to eat locally. Eating local means enjoying fruit, vegetables, and other foods grown by farmers and producers within your community. 

Here are 7 benefits of eating locally you might not have thought about. 

1. Eat Local, Eat Fresh

Many of the foods in your supermarket are grown in different states or different countries. When you eat locally, the food is very fresh because it’s grown right where you live. You can taste the freshness because it was picked just a few days before you bought it.

2. Delicious and Nutritious 

Processing, transportation, or sitting on shelves cause nonlocal foods to lose considerable nutrition. In fruits and vegetables, vitamin C and antioxidants decline almost right away. Since locally grown produce doesn’t spend time sitting around, there’s no chance for it to lose its valuable nutrients. 

3. Widen Your Horizons

While at the farmers market, you might run into locally-grown food that you’ve never encountered before. Trying new things is a fun & interesting way to learn food history and agricultural techniques of your community. You might even find a new favorite flavor while you’re at it!

4. Going Green

You’re creating less pollution and a smaller carbon footprint since the food travels a much shorter distance to reach you when buying locally. It also cuts down on plastic packaging since you can purchase produce just as it comes. Shopping at a farmers market also supports your local ecosystems by maintaining green spaces in the area. 

5. Boost the Economy

Your money circulates within the local economy when you buy local. This increases employment and income within a community, further promoting the local economy and opportunities.

6. The More You Know

The farmers market is a great place to connect with people who can teach you how food is grown. You can strengthen your relationship with your community and learn about sustainable farming practices all in the same breath. 

7. It’s Easy!

All you have to do to start eating locally is check out your local farmers markets, co-ops, or farm-to-table restaurants.

Eat Great Food Locally

Eating locally benefits more than just your health. It also does wonders for your community morale, economy, and environment. Take a minute to stop by your local farmers market this weekend and enjoy fresh ingredients packed with nutrients.