Food Share

WHAT IS EATING LOCALLY?

Eating locally means seeking food grown as close to where you live as possible, thus minimizing the time and distance that food must travel from the farmer's field to your plate.


WHY IT'S A GOOD IDEA

Freshness
Locally grown fruits and vegetables are usually sold very shortly after being harvested. Food not grown locally must be shipped from distant locations and therefore takes much longer to reach the consumer. Produce picked and eaten at the height of ripeness has exceptional flavor and, when handled properly, is packed with nutrients.

Taste
Food that is intended for local consumers is generally picked and eaten at the height of ripeness, giving it exceptional flavor and an abundance of nutrients.

Variety
Eating locally may help you expand your repertoire of what foods you are willing to try, since eating locally often equates with eating seasonally. Berries in August, squash in October and hothouse tomatoes year-round can all be part of your locally grown table.
 
Support Local Economy/Family Farms
Buying local food keeps your dollars circulating in your community. By purchasing locally, not only are you putting your money back into your local economy, you are also minimizing the distribution costs that your local farmer must incur.
 
Save Energy
In this time of escalating energy costs, buying locally makes sense. Local food doesn't have to travel far, so the energy costs associated with transportation are kept at a minimum. (Courtesy of EAT RIGHT MONTANA, Jan. 2006)