Eating Well System

These helpful hints come from Locavore.com

If not LOCALLY PRODUCED, then Organic. This is one of the most readily available alternatives in the market and making this choice protects the environment and your body from harsh chemicals and hormones.

If not ORGANIC, then Family farm. When faced with Kraft or Cabot cheeses, Cabot, a dairy co-op in Vermont, is the better choice. Supporting family farms helps to keep food processing decisions out of the hands of corporate conglomeration.

If not FAMILY FARM, then Local business. Basics like coffee and bread make buying local difficult. Try a local coffee shop or bakery to keep your food dollar close to home.

If not a LOCAL BUSINESS, then Terroir, which means 'taste of the Earth'. Purchase foods famous for the region they are grown in and support the agriculture that produces your favorite non-local foods such as Brie cheese from Brie, France or parmesan cheese from Parma, Italy.

 

From the editors at greatgrandmother.org

We’re uber supportive of local sourcing of foods, as evidenced by our mission and values.  But as educated consumers, we also must be aware that just because a head of broccoli is grown at a local farm does not mean that it is organic or even certified natural (a new certification that is popular in upstate New York). In fact, if purchased at a farm stand, it may not even be locally grown! **oooo, gasp**

To be sure, many, if not most, local farmers are concerned about sustainability and are environmentally sensitive, but we know of a couple local farm stands where nothing is grown organically and almost fifty percent of their vegetables are flown or trucked in from Canada—certainly not local! On some crops they employ integrated pest management, using nature's own pesticides, which is a good practice.

And our local animal protein sources, such as a New Hampshire beef producer I have purchased from, does a fine job with his steers, but fattens them on conventionally-grown corn and soy.  Less than 20% of their diet is grass, and their grain diet is not organic.  Sure, it’s local, but that’s about all.

Please be cautious!  Ask questions. 

And before you begin this process, ask yourself what kind of foodie are you?  What are your major concerns?  Fair trade?  No harmful pesticides?  Global warming?  Local commerce?  Sustainability?  Whole foods?  Justice and poverty?  Human rights?  Cost?  Nutrition?  Convenience?