Buy Local

While doing 'R website I have been Googling quite a bit. My newest Googling has been about Buying Local, Eating Local & Food Miles. There is a ton of stuff out on the web on this subject. At first I wanted to get information and compile it. Ha! So now I have just decided to list the web pages that I found interesting in one way or another. Hope you find some of this information useful. I know I've had a lot more to think about. I have copied over a few excerpts from each page.

Julia (Kitty) Wethington 3rd gen. farmer

This is pretty interesting, it is a listing of where our fruits and vegetables come from.

http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5067296

Most fruit and vegetable varieties sold in supermarkets are chosen for their ability to withstand industrial harvesting equipment and extended travel not taste. This results in little variety in the plants grown.

An FDA study found pesticide residues in over 60 percent of fruit, 30 percent of vegetables, and 38 percent of grains tested.

Locally grown fruits and vegetables are usually sold within 24 hours of being harvested. Produce picked and eaten at the height of ripeness has exceptional flavor and, when handled properly, is packed with nutrients.
–FDA, 2000

Another great place to find FMkts and farms. Even if you go on vacation you can find local fare in that area! http://www.localharvest.org/buylocal.js

The concept of buying local is simply to buy food (or any good or service) produced, grown, or raised as close to your home as possible. With industrialization, our food is now grown and processed in fewer and fewer locations, meaning it has to travel further to reach the average consumer’s refrigerator. Although this method of production is considered efficient and economically profitable for large agribusiness corporations, it is harmful to the environment, consumers and rural communities.

Food Miles, Resources and the Environment
"Food miles" refer to the distance a food item travels from the farm to your home. The food miles for items you buy in the grocery store tend to be 27 times higher than the food miles for goods bought from local sources.

Health and Nutrition
Buying food from local farms means getting food when it’s at its prime. Fresh food from local farms is healthier than industrially-farmed products because the food doesn’t spend days in trucks and on store shelves losing nutrients.
http://www.sustainabletable.org/issues/eatlocal/index.php

http://kathleenconnally.wordpress.com/2008/03/04/10-reasons-to-buy-local-produce/

http://www.exploreasheville.com/active-getaways/healthy-eating/locally-grown-produce/index.aspx

Website designed & created by Julia Wethington (3rd generation farmer) 2010