Digging Deeper - Environmental Benefits of Buying Local Foods

When you buy local foods you can:

  • boost your local economy,
  • access fresher and more nutritious produce,
  • strengthen community connections, and more.

But, did you know buying local foods also supports sustainable, environmentally friendly practices?

On average, food in the United States travels over 1,000 miles before reaching our plates.  This much travel uses large amounts of fossil fuels and creates pollution. In contrast, many farmers markets sell food grown or less, so you will know all your options are fresh and locally grown. Some markets only have food grown within 50 miles. Buying from local farms reduces travel and its environmental effects.

Ways to purchase local foods include:

  • connecting with farmers in your area,
  • looking for a “Locally Grown” label or section at the grocery store,
  • shopping at a farmers market.

Another great option for purchasing local foods is Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Through a CSA, you can buy a share of a farm’s harvest at the start of a season and get an assortment of produce throughout the season to serve in your program. This method also helps support smaller local farms financially at the start of the growing season.

Buying local foods benefits your program, the environment, and your community! Share opportunities for buying local produce with families to strengthen partnerships and support your Farm to ECE initiatives.

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