By Aria Drexler
Close your eyes for a moment, and imagine the vibrant hues of greens, reds, oranges, and purples. The fragrance of flowers wafts through the fresh cut grass. It creeps through the rows of produce stands, melding with the savory aroma of roasting corn and ham. These are the regular happenings throughout the summer growing season, when the locavores come out to feast. And no, locavores aren’t crazy eaters, but they are crazy about what they eat!
“Locavore” has become a buzzword for anyone looking to cozy up to their food and their community by purchasing locally grown products at farmers markets, local produce stands, community gardens, and CSAs (community supported agriculture). “The local foods movement is about the local economy, education on where one’s food comes from, and developing a relationship with the grower/producer,” says Marisa Brooks, manager of the Downtown Bloomington Association farmers market. “Within the last few years, there have been food recalls and food disease outbreaks…[but] there is safety in buying local. The produce is ready to eat, fresh, and the margin for that food being hazardous is much lower.”
Want to Go Local?
Check out these helpful resources:
- Search.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets: USDA farmers market database
- PickYourOwn.org: Guide to local pick-your-own farms, farm stands, and events
- Localharvest.org: Search for a local CSA:
- Communitygarden.org: Local community gardens & resources for starting a community garden
There are other perks to buying seasonal and local, too. Much produce at the store has been picked long before it has ripened and shipped from thousands of miles away if not in season. That’s a lot of fuel and effort to get that melon to your mouth! Unripened produce also doesn’t have the chance to reach its full nutrient potential. You can be sure the money you spend on local food goes directly to the local economy and supporting families in your community. In the words of Jennifer Tirey of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, “If every household in Illinois dedicated just $10 of their existing grocery budget to the purchase of Illinois products, $2.4 billion would be reinvested in the Illinois economy on an annual basis.” In-season, local produce tastes fresher and the farmer can tell you the specifics of how it was grown or raised down to the soil and feed conditions that created its unique flavor.
Farmers markets are a fun way to purchase local foods and homemade goods. Marisa Brooks adds that while costs at the store vary from week to week, prices at farmers markets generally stay the same throughout the season — no coupons needed. Look for produce that makes sense for the season (e.g., be wary of summer apples or winter melons). If you are shopping organic be sure to ask, as participation in markets doesn’t always guarantee organic. If you don’t have any local farmers markets or farm stands, don’t fret! Many supermarkets and smaller grocery stores promote sections with local offerings. Look for a local seal or ask a manager if in doubt.
CSAs are another great local option. Think of it like a magazine subscription to a local farmer, where you buy a “share” upfront and receive food every week. Community gardens are also becoming popular, and offer the opportunity to learn and participate in growing and harvesting food. With the benefit of fresher, safer, and more nutrient-dense food, and the satisfaction of knowing you are connected to your community, locatarianism is hard to beat!
Aria Drexler is a graduate student and dietetic intern at Illinois State University in Normal, IL writing for the Community Cancer Center. Visit www.cancercenter.org.