6 Easy Ways to Start Eating Local Today

Hi there! My name is Julie and I am the blogger behind Savvy Eats, where I write about cycling, eating locally and seasonally, and teach people about the science behind our food. I am also one of the administrators for the Healthy Living Blogs Database, a site that allows you to connect with other bloggers.

Since the idea of eating locally is near and dear to my heart, I thought I?d share with you my top 6 ways to start eating locally today. I try to eat local produce as much as possible because the more quickly you get your fruits and vegetables after they are harvested, the more nutrients they retain. By eating locally, I am also supporting smaller businesses and can get a wider variety of high quality foods.

A lot of people think that eating locally is pricey and difficult, but you know what? It doesn?t have to be. Just buying a few items that were produced locally can make a big difference. Plus, if you ?shop smart? and buy in-season produce, you may actually end up saving money!

Want to start eating local today? Here are 6 easy ways to do it:

Go on a date to a U-Pick farm. I love going to the apple orchards with my friends or picking cherries with my husband. You get to spend some time outdoors while connecting with your friends or significant other. Plus, it is cheap entertainment: the only thing you pay for is the produce you pick! To find U-pick farms near you, check out pickyourown.org.
Visit the Farmer?s Market. Peruse the entire market before making any purchases to find the best deals. Talk to the farmers and ask questions. They put their heart and soul into producing their food, and can tell you when something is in the peak of its season (and is therefore the cheapest) and the best way to prepare their food. Be adventurous and try a new vegetable, new cut of meat, or new type of cheese.
Grow your own. Start a garden in the spring, whether in your backyard or containers. You can even grow herbs and certain veggies in small pots in a sunny window. If you are concerned about your gardening abilities, start off with just a plant or two. Perhaps a basil plant in a small pot by your kitchen window? There is nothing better than pinching off a few fresh leaves of basil to finish off a dish.

Find a co-op or grocery store that labels local foods. Some grocery stores will label which products are locally produced, but a co-op is more likely to do so. Find the brand of cheese, bottle of milk, or bunch of spinach that was made near you.
Eat at a restaurant that uses local ingredients. Lately, more restaurants have been popping up that take pride in the fact that they use local produce and meat from nearby farms. Support them by choosing to eat in these establishments when dining out.
Buy in bulk. When you visit a U-pick farm or the Farmer?s Market, ask the farmers if they have any bulk deals. If you?re lucky, they will give you a ton of in-season produce for a very low price. You can either can or freeze it, or split the bounty with your neighbors. For example, I am picking up a 25-pound box of tomatoes at the Farmer?s Market this weekend for a mere $30, and will be spending much of Monday canning sauce and crushed tomatoes for winter! All six of these steps together will ensure a bountiful local harvest, but even choosing just one simple step will direct you down the path of local eating! With just a little extra effort, you can easily start eating a little more locally today!

Do you try to eat local foods when you can? Do you have any favorite tips for eating locally?