There has been a significant marketing push in many communities across the country, recommending that consumers purchase produce from nearby farms. It makes sense and it is likely to continue. There are numerous reasons why, and I will lay them out for you. However, there are a few things to be careful of. Just because a farm is around the corner doesn't mean it's your best option.
First, it's likely that local food was picked more recently than produce coming from across the country or another country, meaning it's fresher and more nutritious. Local food will likely last longer and have more nutrients. Many produce items lose nutrients quickly. Frozen and canned food are often more nutritious than some products on the shelf at the supermarket, although most would consider the latter to be fresher.
The more money you spend on local produce and other businesses, the greater the positive impact it has on your community. Higher income levels mean more disposable income for your neighbors and surrounding area. This can only help increase the spending and investing that takes place close to home. Furthermore, tax receipts will increase as well, meaning more funding for schools, roads, and other important public spending areas.
Although it is no guarantee, an often less-considered positive of eating local foods is the potential to help reduce the burdens during natural disasters and other emergencies. Long-distance foods and other goods can face disruptions for so many reasons during transportation. Local foods are closer and can get to your local grocery store quicker than those traveling across the country or internationally. Significant hurricanes and other storms routinely disrupt supply chains for food and fuel. Local foods are worth considering to help reduce the impact from such disasters.
That being said, it is important to consider a few other issues. First, all of the positives I already mentioned will be negated if the farms use GMO seeds, which are genetically altered to increase crop yields by adding chemicals or spliced traits from animals or other plants. GMOs are often called Frankencrops. I have never seen a peer-reviewed study supporting the use of GMOs yet the argument against their use is significant and growing.
The second area to be careful of is pesticide usage. Buying local does little for you if the food you are buying was doused in cancer-causing chemicals. I highly recommend purchasing only from organic farms. They don't necessarily have to be USDA certified, but it helps, particularly if you don't have a relationship and established trust with the farm.
I hope you consider locally-grown produce the next time you go food shopping. Just remember to make sure they are organic or non-GMO. Otherwise, you're wasting your money and hurting your health.
First, it's likely that local food was picked more recently than produce coming from across the country or another country, meaning it's fresher and more nutritious. Local food will likely last longer and have more nutrients. Many produce items lose nutrients quickly. Frozen and canned food are often more nutritious than some products on the shelf at the supermarket, although most would consider the latter to be fresher.
The more money you spend on local produce and other businesses, the greater the positive impact it has on your community. Higher income levels mean more disposable income for your neighbors and surrounding area. This can only help increase the spending and investing that takes place close to home. Furthermore, tax receipts will increase as well, meaning more funding for schools, roads, and other important public spending areas.
Although it is no guarantee, an often less-considered positive of eating local foods is the potential to help reduce the burdens during natural disasters and other emergencies. Long-distance foods and other goods can face disruptions for so many reasons during transportation. Local foods are closer and can get to your local grocery store quicker than those traveling across the country or internationally. Significant hurricanes and other storms routinely disrupt supply chains for food and fuel. Local foods are worth considering to help reduce the impact from such disasters.
That being said, it is important to consider a few other issues. First, all of the positives I already mentioned will be negated if the farms use GMO seeds, which are genetically altered to increase crop yields by adding chemicals or spliced traits from animals or other plants. GMOs are often called Frankencrops. I have never seen a peer-reviewed study supporting the use of GMOs yet the argument against their use is significant and growing.
The second area to be careful of is pesticide usage. Buying local does little for you if the food you are buying was doused in cancer-causing chemicals. I highly recommend purchasing only from organic farms. They don't necessarily have to be USDA certified, but it helps, particularly if you don't have a relationship and established trust with the farm.
I hope you consider locally-grown produce the next time you go food shopping. Just remember to make sure they are organic or non-GMO. Otherwise, you're wasting your money and hurting your health.
About the Author:
Please see my website for more information dangers of food additives and preservatives or my blog at Natural claim on food label
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