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Step 1
Determine what your definition of "local" is. Most people start by eating food only made within a 100-mile radius of their home. After trying this radius, most people adjust when necessary. Some people's "local" is within their state. Your definition is just what you are comfortable with. Even eating food made within your state starts to help the environment (saves fuel) and ensures your food isn't traveling across the country before hitting your table.
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Step 2
Visit a local farmers' market. Farmers' markets are more apt to have local food. These markets keep small farms in business by buying directly from the farm, thus cutting out the "middle man." Not only will you be able to get local foods, but your money will directly support local farmers and ensure that they are able to keep producing local foods. To find a local farmers' market click on "Farmers' Market" link in the Resources section.
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Step 3
Ask the manager of the supermarket you frequent where your dairy, produce and meat is coming from. Ask if there are any foods that are locally grown. This will let the manager know that you are concerned about whether your food is local or not. Most managers know that for every person that asks a question, there are many more who want to ask the same question, but don't. Informing the manager of what you want is the only way to get supermarkets to start buying locally.
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Step 4
Start small. It is hard to get all of your food locally at the same time. Try to start with just switching out five foods with a local equivalent. Lettuce, herbs, greens, root vegetables and apples are all grown all over the continental United States, so should be easy to get locally grown. Poultry, eggs, milk, meat and cheese are also grown in many places throughout the U.S. It may be possible to get them locally grown as well.
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Step 5
Find a local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Through a CSA, you can invest in a local farm and get a box of assorted vegetables and other foods in return. Often you can get a discount if you pay your money up front (quarterly or yearly) because this allows the farmer to use the money when they need it (see Resources).
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Step 6
Preserve some local foods for the winter. This will ensure you will have local foods throughout the year, even when it's cold out. Many areas have preservable vegetables and fruits that you can buy (see Resources).
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Step 7
Ask around to find out which of your local restaurants get ingredients from local farmers. You can either ask the restaurant managers at local restaurants, or you can ask local farmers what restaurant accounts they maintain. Make sure to frequent the restaurants and businesses that support your local farmers.
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Step 8
Participate in the 100-mile Thanksgiving project. Click on "Thanksgiving" below for more information. By doing this, you can make a local dish (or meal) and join many others to enjoy all of the local fare others brought.
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Step 9
Shop at local vendors. This is the next best thing you can do if you cannot find locally grown food. Finding food that is locally produced still helps save on transportation costs and helps the environment. You can find locally produced bread, jelly, and jam in most areas. You can also often find coffee that has been roasted locally. Locally produced confectionary products can also be found in many places.
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Step 10
Find out the origins of your favorite foods. Call up the producer of some of your favorite foods and ask where their ingredients come from. Many producers will not know the answer to this question. Once again, however, asking these questions lets the company know that you want to know where your ingredients are from.
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Step 11
Find and visit a local farm. This will allow you to get to know the farmer. Being able to ask a farmer questions can ensure that you always know the best businesses and restaurants to shop and eat at.
Comments
killthelawn said
on 10/18/2008 I'm sorry, I think I accidentally rated this as a 2 when I was trying to figure out how to use the rating tool! It is definately worth a 5.