Ruth Clark – Benefits of eating local

Published: 06-01-2023 10:37 AM

Are you considering becoming a locavore? Locavores are people who try to choose locally grown or locally produced food that is in season. This concept is based primarily on distance. Many people like to purchase food locally by starting within their own community, then moving out to the region, state and beyond. This type of food consumption is the basis for the popular 100-mile diet, which promotes buying and eating food that's grown, manufactured or produced within a 100-mile radius of the consumer’s home. It is a smart strategy for lots of reasons.

Five benefits of eating locally

-- It is good for the environment. Local food travels a shorter distance to markets and stores. This contributes to less pollution and a better carbon footprint. In addition, lots of local foods are sold without packaging which results in less waste particularly of plastic packaging and plastic bags.

A final point for the environment is that supporting local farms helps to maintain green spaces. When sustainable practices are used, it helps to boost biodiversity, protect pollinators and promote clean water, air and soil.

-- Local food is very fresh. This means local food, especially produce, tastes better. If you have ever had a fresh sliced tomato or pint of strawberries direct from the farmer, you know what I mean. Food that travels a long way from its origin loses its essence every step of the way. Also, when picked early before it is ripe, the food never gets a chance to fully develop its flavor potential.

-- Local food may be more nutritious. Fruits and vegetables lose nutrients during transportation and processing or while sitting on grocery store shelves. In fact, studies have shown that the produce loses nutrients each day after it has been harvested, and after three days it has lost 40 percent of its nutritional value. Vitamin C and other antioxidants are particularly vulnerable to degradation.

These nutrients are critical to help us fight chronic disease. So, it is important to note that fruits and veggies of any type whether fresh, frozen, local or non-local are excellent additions to your diet. But if you can get fresh local produce, it might give you the best bang for your buck nutritionally.

-- Boosts the local economy. Food dollars spent at local farms and food producers stay in the local economy, which can create more jobs at other local businesses.

Article continues after...

Yesterday's Most Read Articles

PHOTOS: Event honors police officers and their families
Grey Horse Candle Company opens Peterborough storefront
Construction of joint Peterborough/Jaffrey water facility over 50% complete
Peterborough’s FIRST robotics team is headed to regionals
Francestown honors women at dinner
Friends and family remember Stephenson Memorial Library Director David Bridgewater

-- Supports your local farmers. The financial support you provide to the farmer means you are often investing in a smaller, more-diverse farming system. This compares to large monocrops which deplete the soil of nutrients (making the soil less productive over time), reduces organic matter in soil and can cause significant erosion.

Unfortunately, farmers are a vanishing breed. When you buy directly from a farmer, you are reestablishing a time-honored connection between the grower and the eater. This is a great way to build community, to learn more about farming practices and may even help you develop a deeper appreciation for healthy foods.

One of the simplest things you can do to start your journey as a locavore is to start going to farmers markets and plan to buy your produce there. Or even better, sign up for a CSA (community supported agriculture) to get local fruits and vegetables on a regular basis.

You will fall in love with the quality and flavor of the food. In fact, most chefs and home cooks agree that the freshest ingredients make the best dishes.

My personal favorite is the Cornucopia Project CSA. They have CSA offerings in the spring, summer, fall and for Thanksgiving. This spring, the spinach in the CSA share was so sweet and delicious that even my husband, who is not a big fan of some greens, was impressed by the freshness and flavor! And we got introduced to claytonia, also known as miner’s lettuce or winter purslane, which is a great salad green loaded with Vitamin C. CSAs are a great way to get exposed to new types and varieties of fruits and veggies.

The summer CSA share, which is available right now, includes 10 weeks of local produce to be picked up at the farm.

Here you will meet the student farmers and farm manager Leigh Mae, who organically grow a variety of nutritious crops for the community. You’ll find an array of seasonal options abundantly piled and freshly harvested for you. You can choose your favorite options to fill your own bag or basket and mingle with your fellow food enthusiasts. Check out the details at cornucopiaproject.org/product/csa-summer23. If you prefer to speak with a staff member directly, you can call 603-784-5069

Eating local has lots of great benefits beyond health and supporting local farms. And eating local can be remarkably easy.

Ruth Clark, author of the best-selling book “Cool the Fire: Curb Inflammation and Balance Hormones,” is a registered dietitian nutritionist with a master’s in public health and over 35 years of experience. She lives in Sharon and her practice is 100 percent virtual. Clark specializes in midlife and older women who are struggling with weight, mood and fatigue to regain their energy and vitality. You can reach her at ruth@ruthrd.com.

]]>