|
|
|
|
|
||
8.23.08 7.27.08 
9.01.08 |
Why buy Local? Eating local food is good for you, good for your community, and good for the earth. Eating local food creates a “virtuous circle” of positive impacts, from strengthening your local economy, to protecting the environment, to preserving open space, to promoting health and wellness. On top of it all, you'll enjoy the amazing flavors and high nutrition of freshly picked local produce.
Preserving Farmland. When people buy foods that are produced in distant areas, they weaken the local market for Midwestern farmers. Illinois is losing farms at an alarming rate--about 3,300 each year. Illinois is ranked fifth in the nation for loss of farmland to development. Learn More.. Economic Health. Supporting your local farms by buying a share in a CSA or shopping at a farmers market is not only good for farmers, it is good for the area's economy. Studies have shown that rural communities with more family farms selling directly to consumers have the healthiest economies because the food dollars are kept cycling within the community. Environmental Health. Transporting produce to the Midwest from California and from all over the world requires immense amounts of fossil fuels - not only jet fuel and diesel fuel for engines, but the refrigeration needed to keep food fresh during its long journey to market uses energy and may require CFCs or other ozone-depleting gases. These environmental costs are not accounted for in the price of our food, and are bad for both the local and global environment, and for the health of you and your family. The Joy of Eating Local Foods. Last but not least, eating local foods helps you become more aware of local agricultural cycles and of the seasons and weather. Eating in season leads to a heightened sense of awareness and excitement as the season for your favorite local produce arrives. Once you've tasted a juicy, local vine-ripened tomato at the peak of the season, it may be difficult to recognize the pink, hard tomatoes you see in the store 365 days a year. Doing Good by Eating Well. When you buy from local farmers, you are doing good while eating well - getting the freshest, most delicious and affordable food possible while reducing pollution and enhancing local economies. So find out who your local farmers are and start enjoying great food. Start by visiting, Illinois Farm Direct For more information, visit our Resources for consumers page |
 |
The Land Connection is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization. Copyright © 2008 TheLandConnection.org : Terms of Use : Privacy Policy : Contact |
