There is a movement sweeping the country that represents an idea, a lifestyle and a way of eating. It is a grassroots movement linking the joy of good food with a commitment to community and the environment. It embraces the resurgence of farmers’ markets, the rise of the organic products, and the renaissance of local agriculture across the country. It takes us back to a simple way of life and reminds us of who we are and where we come from. It connects us to a greater good, gives us purpose and empowers us to make decisions that help create positive environmental and social change. Locally Grown® provides a way for you to connect to this movement and a greater good through the food you eat and the clothes you wear.
Why Locally Grown?
Eat fresh and nutritious food. Locally Grown food tastes better and ensures quality. Reducing the time – from farm to table – ensures that flavors are at their peak.
Protect the environment. Eating locally grown food reduces your carbon footprint. Growing your own and buying produce from local growers reduces the environmental impact and costs of transporting and need for long-distance trucking, thus reducing greenhouse gas contributions.
Support family farmers and the regional economy. Shopping at farmers’ markets helps farmers and producers thrive. Farmers who sell local food to customers earn the full retail value of each dollar spent producing the food.
Preserve local character and diversity. Small farms are a valuable component of a community’s character, helping maintain agricultural heritage, preserving land use diversity, and moderate development.
What is a Locavore?
If you eat locally grown food, then you probably are one. A Locavore eats local and shops at farmers’ markets, farm stands and within the community whenever possible. Buying locally grown food is an environmentally friendly means of obtaining your food, since supermarkets import their food and use more fossil fuels and non-renewable resources. Locavores’ embrace the simple premise that locally grown food is healthier, better for you, and tastes better than food shipped long distances from other states or countries. The closer you are to your food source – the fresher and healthier that food is for you – and your community.