Sustainable Food Teach-Out
Buy Local Food
5 minutes
Set a goal: Don’t let what could be a big change in your shopping habits stop you from trying a smaller first step. Pick one of these goals or write one of your own:
Look for a CSA in my area and find its starting date and cost
For one week, buy only local produce
For one week, spend half of my weekly grocery budget at a farmers’ market or stand
Why: Buying food locally means your food is traveling a shorter distance to get to you and your region’s farmers and food systems are supported. Committing to buying more locally can also encourage you to eat things that are in season, which is usually better for environmental impact.
How: You have options! It may take a little time and effort to first find the local sources you like, but many communities have options that can become part of a shopping routine without being a financial burden. Here are some ways to get started on reaching your goal:
Join a CSA (community-supported agriculture) CSAs are direct subscription farmer-to-consumer programs that usually involve paying up front for a certain amount of produce throughout a season. Often members pick up shares of the produce from a farm or farmers’ market. CSAs eliminate the middleman from food purchases. They also help you try new veggies that are in season in your area - many come with helpful recipes to get cooking!
Many farms in your area will have websites or social media pages for you to get more information. Here are some other ways to get started:
Shop at farmers’ markets Your community probably has a market you could use for some of your shopping needs. It may change your shopping schedule, but hopefully you will find produce within your normal budget. Many markets also support food assistance programs to make fresh and local food affordable for more people. Search around for a listing of markets near you or use this national directory to get started.
Take a pause at the grocery store Co-op or regional grocery stores may have more local food options, but you’ll find a lot in your chain store as well. Check labels or signs around produce for produce from nearby farms. It also helps to buy what is in season. Check out this seasonal guide for what is near you.