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There are several reasons why shopping local can make a difference not only in the economy but in your well being as well. It more important than ever that people begin to shop locally since so many people are struggling with the recession.
Local places, especially markets, offer something that large supermarket chains are unable to offer. They offer an understanding of where their produce came from. If you have ever been shopping in the supermarket and are looking at a carton of strawberries and it is snowing outside, chances are those strawberries did not come from a local grower. It is important to know where your food is coming from so that you can make healthy decisions about the food that you are putting into your body. If you are looking at purchasing a fruit of vegetable that is grown out of town or even out of the country you have lost the ability to ask about how the food was grown. You will never be able to know if the food was grown with pesticides or herbicides and you are endangering yourself and others that you are feeding the food to.
Local markets also offer food that is seasonal. Right now, as the snow falls, there are several great options of squash that are available. The difference between buying something fresh and local means the difference between something tasting alright and it tasting extraordinary. Supporting you local markets means that you will be able to get food that is healthy and is at the peak of freshness.
