It’s always a good time to start a new healthy habit, especially at the start of a new year! Consider leveling up your kitchen game this year by committing to shopping and eating more locally grown, in-season food. It’s a great way to be healthier and more sustainable. Grab your kitchen brushes and dishwasher detergent and get your kitchen ready, because it’s time to shop in season! Read on to learn about the benefits of local and seasonal food–and how to get started!
Why Eat Local and Seasonal?
It’s Healthier
Seasonal and local foods are fresher and more nutritious than foods that have been shipped from other areas of the country or the world. When you shop local, you could be eating produce the day it’s picked! Did you know that some produce loses nutrients the longer it sits on the shelf? Vitamin C begins to degrade in fresh produce shortly after harvesting. So the fresher the food, the more nutrients it contains!
It's Better for the Environment
Buying local is a great way to lessen your carbon footprint. Local, seasonal food doesn’t have to travel far, as opposed to out-of-season produce that is shipped across the world. The shorter the trip, the less carbon emissions created. So not only is eating seasonally good for you–it’s good for the earth.
Investing in your Community
Eating local means supporting local. Shopping and purchasing local produce is a great way to invest in your neighborhood. Supporting farms, farm stands, and CSAs strengthens the regional economy and helps you feel more connected to your community.
Helps You Try New Foods!
You may discover new fruits or vegetables on your quest to eat seasonally and locally. Shopping and cooking based on what is in season helps you challenge yourself by expanding your palate and trying new foods and recipes.
Food That’s In Season Tastes Better
Need we say more?
How Do I Get Started?
Research
Research your area and look for local farms, farmers markets, and farm stands. Not sure where to start? The US Department of Agriculture’s National Farmers Market Directory is a great place to begin your research.
Join a CSA
A CSA, or Community Supported Agriculture, provides a box of farm fresh food each week. Joining a CSA is a great way to try out new foods and recipes, as the contents of the subscription box are a surprise each week. No matter what, it’s sure to be nutritious and delicious!
Start a Garden
Ready to take eating locally and seasonally to the next level? Try growing food yourself! (And yes, you can even grow vegetables in the winter!) While this option is ideal for those with backyards and space for a garden, even city apartment dwellers can dabble in growing their own herbs and vegetables. You can’t get much fresher than that!