If you ever stopped by your neighborhood farmers market or farm stand, the bountiful bunches of vegetables, seasonal fruits, and freshly baked bread are amazing, and all are results of local farmers or food producers.
Some great benefits from eating local food include the following:
1. Local food is very fresh
Local produce sold at farmers markets or farm stands may be picked or harvested just a day or two before or even the morning of the market. This means that local food, especially produce, is often extremely fresh and tastes better than nonlocal items. If you have ever enjoyed a perfectly ripe tomato or strawberry from your local farm stand or farmer’s market, you know how great it tastes. Local produce is often sweeter, juicier, and tastier than nonlocal produce. Other types of local food, such as eggs from a local farmer are also fresher than options that come from farther away.
2. Local food is often more nutritious
Fruits and veggies may lose some of their nutrients during transportation and processing or while sitting on grocery store shelves. Fresh produce is richer in vitamins and minerals than those that have traveled many miles. Vitamin C, an important water-soluble nutrient that is necessary for healthy skin and tissues, begins to degrade in fresh fruits and veggies shortly after harvesting. Also, the antioxidant content of some produce declines during storage. Getting antioxidants from foods is important to fight reactive molecules called free radicals that contribute to disease. Since locally grown produce usually does not have to travel very far or sit in storage for long, it retains more nutrients. It is important to note that all types of fruits and veggies — fresh or frozen, local, or nonlocal — provide important nutrients and are good additions to your diet.
3. Eating local is an opportunity to try new foods
Eating a variety of whole foods is important to get the essential nutrients our body needs. If you shop at farmers markets or farm stands, you may be introduced to new or unique food that is grown in your area. Discovering these items is an excellent way to learn more about the food history and agricultural practices of your community. You may even find a new favorite food or ingredient.
4. Eating local is remarkably easy
If you are interested in eating more local food, it is easy to do. Search for local farmers markets and farm stands in your area. We are fortunate in Central New York to have so many of these available especially during the summer to late Fall. Become a member of a local food co-op. Sign up for a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) share is another terrific opportunity to expose yourself to local foods that may be new to you. CSA boxes are filled with produce and prepared directly by farmers for consumers. These boxes sometimes contain unique veggies or fruits which are difficult to find in stores. Included in some of these boxes are new recipes to try. Also dine at farm-to-table eateries in your area, some of which may even have a CSA or farm stand connected to the restaurant.
By Traci McIntosh, MA, RD East Area YMCA Dietitian
* A registered dietitian (RD) is your best source for reliable and up-to-date food and nutrition information. A dietitian can help you identify measurable and achievable goals as well as develop a plan to achieve them with support along the way. For more information or for a nutrition consultation with Traci McIntosh, MA, RD please contact Kim Leonard East Area YMCA Health and Wellness Director at 315-637-2025 X220 or kleonard@ymcacny.org