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You are here: Home / Benefits of Buying Local Food

Benefits of Buying Local Food

What is “Local Food”?

In general, it is defined as a food product that has traveled less than 400 miles, or within the same state as it’s point of origin. 

Local food is broadly defined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as “the direct or intermediated marketing of food to consumers that is produced and distributed in a limited geographic area.”

The 2008 U.S. Farm Bill states that “Local Food” is defined as a food product that travels less than 400 miles from the origin of the product or is in the State in which it is produced.

In New York State, a 2019-2020 bill has further defined food that is marketed as “local” as a product that has been “grown, raised, or harvested, or produced in New York or it must show descriptive language about the region or distance from New York where the product originated from.”

Many people also consider “local food” to be purchased with direct methods like at farmers’ markets, farm stands, and CSA’s- surpassing the channels generally associated with large scale farms, commodity operations, and big-box grocery stores. There is sometimes also an assumption that local food is grown by small farms, using sustainable methods, fair labor practices, and humanely raised animals. 

North Country Creamery
North Country Creamery
cabbages
Oregano Flats Farm
Juniper Hill Farm
Juniper Hill Farm
Drinkwine Produce
Drinkwine Produce
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7 Reasons to Buy More Local Food

Only 2.9 percent of farms in the US are considered “large” with at least $1 million in gross cash income, but they, along with other non-family farms, account for 54 percent of total production in the United States. 

The remaining 90 percent of small family farms only account for 24 percent of the value of production. Food that is grown far away on large operations allows us to have an unlimited variety of fresh food year-round. We now have access to things like oranges and avocados, on-demand. However, the more local food we add to our plate, the more we can realize many economic, environmental, and social benefits. 

Benefits of Buying Local Food

1. Economic Impacts

Studies show that local foods can have a positive impact on local economic activity by substituting imports and supporting local processing. For example, beef raised on a local farm and processed at a local slaughterhouse has a net benefit to two businesses, rather than one. 

A study by Iowa State University found that each dollar spent at farmers’ markets generated 58 cents in additional sales elsewhere in the local economy. And for each full-time equivalent job created at farmers’ markets, a half of a fulltime equivalent job was created in other sectors of the local economy. Another national study of 15 food supply chains found that producers received 7 times the net revenue per unit in local food supply chains than they do in conventional wholesale chains. 

2. Better for Farmers

The USDA estimates that on average, a farmer only earns 17.4 cents for every dollar spent on a food item. In shorter supply chains, like when buying through a food hub, farmers earn up to 85 cents for every dollar, and when purchased directly like at a farm store, the farmer receives 100% of every dollar you spend. 

3. Better for the Environment

Reducing the number of miles your food travels from field to the shelf directly shrinks your grocery carbon footprint. It’s been estimated that locally grown food creates 5 to 17 times less CO2 than nationally wholesale distributed food. 

But more importantly, how food is grown matters. The farming practices used to grow or raise food accounts for 83% of its carbon footprint. Just because something is “local” it does not mean that it is sustainable. However, smaller farms are more easily able to adopt environmentally friendly practices that help preserve clean drinking water, improve soil health, protect wildlife, and pollinators. These methods can include rotational grazing, using cover crops, avoiding harmful pesticides, and wildlife-friendly predator and pest control. Eating local can also reduce food waste, as most food loss happens during production, storage, transport, and distribution. By shortening the chain between farmer and consumer, there is less time and opportunity for spoilage. 

4. Healthier and Tastier Food 

There are a variety of factors that influence the nutritional quality of food including ripeness, processing, storage, growing practices, and more. Food that is grown locally is generally harvested closer to when it is ripe and spends less time in shipment and on the shelf. Riper fruits and vegetables mean more nutrients and better flavor. Fruits and vegetables that are grown on large scale farms and shipped thousands of miles to grocery stores are bred for traits that prolong their shelf life, like tougher skins to withstand shipping damage. That is one of the reasons why local fresh strawberries (that just stay fresh a day or two) taste so amazing in contrast to conventionally grown berries. 

5. Happier Animals

Smaller operations allow for closer quality control. Industrialized livestock operations (like Confined Animal Feeding Operations) are designed to raise many animals in a short period of time. Many times animals are kept indoors or without access to vegetation. Birds and pigs are kept in tiny cages or stalls not much bigger than their bodies. When purchasing local food, you have the opportunity to talk with your farmer about animal welfare practices on their farm. On small farms, animals are more likely to have time and space to graze, forage, and bond with fellow animals.

6. Opportunity to Align With Your Values

The average American spends less than ten percent of their income on food. This is much less than almost everywhere else in the world, in some countries, people spend up to half of their income on food. If you can afford to spend a little more, and reap the environmental, social, and health benefits, why not?

7. Find Your Community

When you buy local food, you generally have the opportunity to engage with farms directly. They are usually more transparent about farming practices and sometimes invite community members to their farms for tours. This face-to-face engagement is otherwise is lost in a traditional wholesale food chain. Buying local food offers you a chance to better understand the work and care that goes into your food and to create a stronger connection to your wider community.

Bucksberry Farm
Bucksberry Farm
Willow Wood Farm
Willow Wood Farm
Tangleroot Farm
Tangleroot Farm
Juniper Hill Farm
Juniper Hill Farm
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How to Shop Local

  • Visit Farmstands- Check their hours online before you go, and make sure to follow your local farms on social media for updates on what’s new in their farmstore. Find a farmstand here.
  • Sign up for a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) share- in the wintertime or spring you can sign up for a CSA and be guaranteed fresh local food all season long. Some farms offer year-round, spring, or fall CSA’s too. Find a farm that offers CSA shares delivered near you. 
  • Visit a Farmers’ Market- Many markets are OPEN for the season and offer an outdoor, socially distant way to shop. Find details for a market near you.
  • Check out your Local Food Hub or Co-Op- Food hub’s and co-ops are great for one-stop shops. You can usually find a variety of products from many regional producers at one retail location. Find a hub or co-op and their hours and offerings here.

 

Using SNAP, FMNP, FOOD STAMPS, WIC

Did you know that you can use food assistance programs to buy from local farms and food producers? SNAP, WIC, and FMNP offer opportunities to put your benefits back into your community.

Where to buy local food with Food Stamps, SNAP & FMNP:

  • Farmstands and stores that accept WIC and SNAP
  • Farmers’ markets that accept SNAP and FMNP

Other Resources for Finding Local Food​

How to Advocate for more Local Food/Product Availability in your Community

Get local food in your school, business or hospital

Large institutions that serve the public have huge purchasing power. A recent study found that if the State University of New York (SUNY) spent 25 percent of its food dollars on fresh foods grown in the state, it would create $54 million in economic output. Bring information and resources to your college, hospital, or school on the state or federal benefits for buying local food. 

Talk with your grocery manager 

Ask the manager of your local grocery if they are willing to sell more local food. Reach out by phone or email so they will have a chance to consider the information you provide.

Suggest local ingredients at your favorite restaurants 

If your favorite restaurants aren’t using local food yet, talk with the managers and owners about the increased demand for local food.

Share on social media

When you eat local, tell your network. Show your friends and family how easy it is to buy and prepare seasonal food. Share photos on social media using the hashtag #AdirondackHarvest and #EatADK to connect with other locavores. 

 

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Apr 12

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No trip to Lake Placid is complete until you dine at the 𝗠𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 or 𝗖𝗮𝗳é 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻, both located on grounds of the beautiful @whitefaceclubresort! Each restaurant features a variety of dishes and handcrafted cocktails, often made with products from right here in the Adirondacks. Did we mention the jaw-dropping panoramic views of the sparkling Lake Placid waters and Whiteface Mountain? 🏔

Visit our website to learn more about Whiteface Club & Resort, what they do and where to find them!

[ Photo Credit: @whitefaceclubresort ]

#featuredmember #whitefaceclubresort #mooselodgeboathouse #cafeonthegreen #eatlocal #lakeplacid #adkharvest

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Apr 10

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Does your business sell locally harvested food or products? Join us! 

We are a non-profit community organization that was created by farmers and community members 20 years ago when they saw a need for cooperative marketing for agricultural businesses in the area. 

We have recently moved to a pay-what-you-can membership model, and welcome businesses that produce, create, or sell food, flowers, fiber, and forestry products harvested in the greater Adirondack region.

You can read more about what it means to be a “member” here: adirondackharvest.com/membership

If you’re interested in becoming a member, message us and we can get started!

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Apr 6

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HOW-TUESDAY | Eat more winter greens!

Micro-greens and shoots are a very popular crop to grow in the Adirondack region because they are relatively easy to grow in covered spaces and hoop houses early in the season before the ground has thawed. 

Many different edible vegetables and legumes can be grown as a micro-green or shoot, like radish, broccoli, sunflower, beets, cabbage, peas, cilantro, basil, and dill. While a pea plant can take about 60 days to reach maturity, a pea shoot can be harvested in just two to four weeks. 

Little greens add a LOT of nutrition, flavor, and texture to your weekly meal plan! Add micro-greens or shoots to the top of basically any hot or cold dish, like soup, salad, sandwiches, pasta, etc. 

Link in bio to read more about the history of cultivating little greens. 

Photo: Oregano Flats Farm, Saranac, NY by Ben Stechschulte

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Apr 5

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@theviewrestaurantlp 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘈𝘈 4-𝘋𝘪𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘈𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘌𝘹𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘝𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘹𝘦𝘥 𝘈𝘥𝘪𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘢𝘵𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦. 𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺. 𝘞𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘚𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘈𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘌𝘹𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴.🍝🍷

Visit our website to learn more about @theviewrestaurantlp!

[ Photo Credit: @theviewrestaurantlp, Tim Rowland ]

#featuredmember #theviewrestaurantatmirrorlakeinn #mirrorlakeinn #finedining #eatlocal #lakeplacid #adkharvest

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Mar 30

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Your Weekly Local Food Fact 🐣 Why are eggs different colors? 

The color of an eggshell is determined by the breed of chicken that laid it. As an egg travels through the chicken's oviduct, the shell is being created and begins white. This takes approximately 26 hours. Different breed chickens will release different pigments in their oviduct during this phase, which are absorbed by the forming eggshell, thus creating different colored eggshells. There is no difference in flavor or nutrition between different colored eggs.

You can buy eggs at almost any local-food retailer or market. Visit adirondackharvest.com to find eggs of every color!

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🌱 Decker's Flats Greenhouse 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 21 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘶𝘨𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘙𝘰𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘩. 𝘞𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 3 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘯𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘱. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘯𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳 𝘢 𝘸𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘷𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘣𝘦𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘬𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘣𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘴 𝘷𝘦𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘴. 𝘛𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘳𝘶𝘣𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯. 𝘞𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭-𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘱 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘬 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘤𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴.

Visit our website to learn more about Decker's Flats Greenhouse, what they do and where to find them!

[ Photo Credit: Decker's Flats Greenhouse ]

#featuredmember #deckersflats #greenhouse #plants #freshflowers #floralshop #buylocal #adkharvest
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