As eating local becomes mainstream, there’s an ever-growing number of people in search of fresh, local produce and meats. More restaurants are shifting towards locally grown food and locally sourced ingredients to keep up with their customer demands.

What is local food and why should we buy from farms nearby?

Most consumers and suppliers agree that “local” food is food that is grown within 100-150km from where it is sold or consumed. As buying local becomes more and more popular, several definitions of what it means to buy “local” have surfaced. For some, it can mean food that is grown in your province or region. For others, it can simply mean food that is grown by farmers that you and trust.

Regardless of how you define buying local, sourcing locally grown food from small scale farmers has many benefits!

3 Reasons to Shop at a Local Farm:

1. Locally grown food often tastes better because it has had less time in transit (farm to distributor to the grocery store). This means your food remains fresh longer! It also helps to ensure that your food stays packed with its intended and initial nutrients.
   
   
2. Locally grown food helps build strong communities. When you buy directly from the farmer, your money goes directly to the farmer. This can have a positive impact on the community in which the farmer resides.
   
   
3. Food from small-scale growers may contain less (or no) pesticides. Most Farmers have to pay high annual fees to become certified organic. Many small-scale farmers that use organic methods don’t receive certification due to these high costs and fees. Even if they aren’t organic, many small-scale farmers have been found to use fewer chemicals than large, industrialized farms. Ask your farmer about their farming methods!

If you’re interested in ditching the grocery chain for fresh produce and meats, try our farm map to locate the local farmer or market near you.