Shopping at your Local Farmer’s Market Contributed by CCNH faculty Bree Garrett
While organic produce is recommended because it is chemical free, locally grown produce may be even better. Nutritional value begins to decline immediately after picking and continues as the produce ages. Exposure to light, air and heat can also cause a loss of nutrients.
Much of the produce found in your grocery has traveled many miles and several days before reaching us. In many cases, frozen fruits and vegetables contain more nutrients than “fresh” bought from the grocery store. Shopping at your local farmers’ market allows you to have the freshest produce available.
Most of the items are picked that day or the day before and are at their peak. Better yet, if you have any questions, the person who grew it is right there to ask. Another bonus it that buying local helps to make a positive impact on the environment.
When you purchase produce in the grocery, you are also paying for the gas and shipping costs, which contribute to pollution. Locally grown food does not demand these costs nor does it have the same effect on the environment. Because of consumer’s requests for organic produce, you’ll likely find local farmers who grow organically. This is ideal!
To learn more on holistic shopping tips, go to the shopper’s guide.
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