It is highly encouraged that you consume food which is produced locally. This is because of the many advantages that it offers. You can produce most of the foods you consume in your own small farm, or choose to buy those that are produced by another farmer within your locality. A majority of such foods include fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and poultry among many others. Some of the top benefits are highlighted below.
Main benefits of consuming fresh local foods
It is highly nutritious
Local foods consumed directly from the farms are more nutritious, in addition to being tasty and healthy, compared to those that undergo shipment and long-term storage. There is not shipment for long distances that is involved. Most shipped foods usually lose taste and freshness, and for some cases, even the nutrients as well. Some fruits and vegetables are also picked a bit earlier, before they ripen and absorb all the nutrients, to prevent them from going bad during transit. Locally produced foods, therefore, become the best choice for your consumption.
Promotes the local economy
When you buy your food locally, you promote the local economy. Money gets to circulate within your local region, which will work in the interest of everyone. The farmer will get more income from selling the produce, factoring in the reduced transport costs. As a consumer, you will also enjoy the best prices for the food items grown locally. In addition to that, employment opportunities also increase. With increased business for the farmers due to growing demand, expansion will become apparent for the farms. Newer technology and farming methods, such as greenhouses and auto irrigation, may also be introduced in the farms. All these will create the employment opportunities.
It protects the environment
Local food is considered great for your health as well as for the environment in general. Transportation of food is usually done in huge trucks that use diesel as fuel. The carbon emission from such trucks all over the world is quite significant and contributes. Consuming foods produced locally means that there will be less number of trucks on the road and thus, less emission of greenhouse gasses.
Wide variety
With farm-to-table foods, you can get a wide variety of choices. This applies not only to fruits and vegetables but also to dairy products, meat, poultry, nuts, and baked foods. You get the ability to ensure that you and your loved ones feast on healthy and balanced diets every single day.
