If you haven’t enjoyed locally grown, fresh farm produce, then you aren’t living!! 

“There is growing concern within the food industry that the rising costs of energy for transportation, unfair labor practices, and the negative impact of chemicals used to boost food production are becoming increasingly unsustainable. One way that environmentally and socially conscious eaters are addressing these concerns is eating locally grown produce or by becoming a ‘locavore.'” – HandsOnBlog.org

“A locavore is a person interested in eating food that is locally produced, not moved long distances to market. – Wikipedia.org

5 reasons you should support your local farmers:

1. Buying from the farmers’ market allows the cost of food to be a little cheaper since there aren’t any warehousing or distribution delays.
2. Fruits and vegetables stay fresh longer. The produce wasn’t picked two weeks ago and shipped all over the U.S. and touched by who knows how many people before it gets to you.
3. Buying locally supports local farmers! Why wouldn’t you support a local, small business? Be a part of your community and support the local economy.
4. Farm tours! They are fun and educational. You might just learn something interesting. Locate a farm near you and make sure to bring the kids!
5. Farm fresh fruits and produce that have been grown locally have longer to ripen before harvest. They don’t have to be picked, packed, and shipped half way across the country. They are going to your local farmers’ market, where more times than not, the produce was harvested that morning.

If you live in the Middle Tennessee area, you can check out Local Table farm guide to see what local farms are located near you. If you happen to live out of state, you can check out Local Harvest.

“Large scale chemical agriculture is poisoning our soils and our water, and weakening our communities. By buying direct from a family farm, you can help put a stop to this unfortunate trend. By buying organic produce from your local farmer, you are working to maintain a healthy environment, a vibrant community, and a strong and sustainable local economy for you and your kids to thrive in.”  – Local Harvest Family Farms