THE HEALTHY BENEFITS OF EATING LOCALLY

Summertime is a great time to eat healthier, especially with all of the local farmer’s markets in the area. You may not realize this, but eating local saves you money by eliminating the middlemen,  saving on transportation, unnecessary packaging and advertising which can account for at least 20% of total food costs according to Barbara Kingsolver’s book, “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle”. She also states that by buying your food goods from local farmers/businesses rather than national chains, actually generates about three times as much money for your local economy.

Another great thing about buying from a local business or farmer, you can get to know them and find out how the food was raised and produced, plus it tastes better! There are many local farmers who are still committed to chemical-free farming and organic standards even though they can’t afford the extra cost of organic certification. Although many studies have been done, research done by Allison Byrum of the American Chemical Society show that fruits and vegetables grown without pesticides and herbicides contain 50-60% more antioxidants than their sprayed counterparts.

If you’re unsure where to find the nearest farmer’s market closest to you, go to www.localharvest.org or for a network of farmer’s markets in this area, log onto www.northunionfarmersmarket.org. (For those on a limited income, the North Union Farmer’s Markets now accepts SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Acceptance Program) Cards. SNAP recipients need to bring their EBT cards and must first visit the Market Information table to pick up their tokens.)

So take advantage of the summer’s best harvest from your local farmer’s markets and your neighbors. Not only will you be eating healthier, you will also be supporting your local businesses and economy. It’s a Win-Win for everyone!

Marie Pietras, MT
July 2015