WHY

Local food tastes better and is better for you. Produce that travels a distance sits on a truck or in a warehouse, losing its freshness, flavor and nutrients. When you buy local, your food is picked just a day or two before you eat it. That means crisper, sweeter, more flavorful foods for you and your family. Plus, fresh foods have not lost the nutrients that week old foods have.

Buying local helps support local farm families and builds communities. When you buy locally grown produce, you are buying directly from the farmer. That means, by choosing to buy local, you allow farmers to stay on the farm doing the work that they love. Buying from your local farmer re-establishes a time-honored connection. Gain insight into the seasons, the weather and the wonder of raising food and sharing the knowledge of nature and agriculture with your friends and family.

Buying local strengthens the economy. Buying local keeps your money within your community. When you buy from a nearby farm, you improve the quality of life for your local farmers, you influence how your foods are grown, you reduce reliance on long-distance food producers, and you stabilize the local food supply. You have the ability to create a self-sufficient community just by choosing Columbus County over California, Onslow over Ohio. Oh, and don’t forget that local farmers contribute more in taxes than they require in services, keeping your taxes in check.  The bonuses of buying local just keeps growing.

Buying local foods supports a clean environment & benefits wildlife. Our current food system is hurting our earth. It depletes the soil, pollutes the air and water, has harmful effects on farm workers' health and uses large amounts of pesticides. Locally produced foods don’t require significant transportation or storage, therefore saving energy and limiting pollution. By buying local, you’re taking a step toward a healthier life for you, your family and your neighbors while also preserving open spaces and our agricultural landscape.

Buying local is about our future. By supporting local farmers today, you are helping to ensure farms will continue to operate in our communities for tomorrow. A simple decision by you will allow future generations access to nourishing, flavorful, healthful and abundant foods and a cleaner environment.

HOW

One of the best known ways to purchase fresh and locally grown produce is at a farmers’ market. Shopping at one  in your area is a fantastic way to turn your weekly meal planning into a leisurely Saturday morning. Joining a CSA is another great way to get fresh, seasonal produce. And  don’t forget that you can usually find local produce at your neighborhood grocery store too. If you don’t see any, you can request it from your grocer; they will be glad to help!

Participating Farmers' Markets

CSA info

Become a Volunteer: Email us at info@feastdowneast.org