Recently there has been a lot of buzz about eating locally grown foods, but why? Eating locally is oftentimes less convenient and more expensive than buying mass produced foods, yet the benefits that these foods provide for your body and the environment make it worthwhile in my eyes.
Why locally grown food is better for your health: According to the Center for a New American Dream (CNAD), small farms are less aggressive than large factory farms about using chemicals on their plants. Even the non-organic small farms are less likely to have dangerous pesticides and herbicides.
Why locally grown food tastes better: Farmers that sell directly to local consumers select and harvest crops based on when they are at their peak quality of freshness, nutrition, and taste. In contrast, many large corporations give priority to packing, shipping and shelf life instead. Tomatoes that you can pick up at the grocery store have been harvested early and then sprayed with gases that cause them to turn red and appear ripe. This is not natural!
Why locally grown food is better for the environment: Small farms are more likely to grow a wide variety of crops. Variation protects biodiversity and preserves a larger agricultural gene pool, which is important for ensuring long-term food security.
Why eating locally helps farmers: On average farmers only receive 20 cents of each food dollar spent because of the cost of transportation, processing, packaging, and marketing. When you buy locally, the farmer receives the direct profit of the money spent. And more farms equal more healthy food.
Adapted from www.openhand.org
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