Purchasing locally grown produce is one of the best ways to insure that you are getting the freshest product possible. Although many produce items appear on the shelves year round, if they are not in season locally, then they are likely being shipped over great distances. In fact, produce is often shipped over a thousand miles, being picked seven to fourteen days before it shows up in your local market.

Products shipped over long distances are usually picked long before they are ripe, often sacrificing flavor. Most of the products are grown to withstand mechanical harvesting and the long bumpy road across the continent.

Another sacrifice we make with most commercially grown produce is a lack of variety. There are literally hundreds of varieties of tomatoes in the world, but few transport well so we never see them at the super market. Super markets are in the business of making money, so they need products that are going to last on the shelves in addition to providing consistent appearance and quality for the consumers.

Why Local?
First of all, freshness! Yes, you can get peaches and nectarines from South America in the off season. But how can we expect the growers to let these products tree-ripen and still withstand the long trip across the globe? Local produce tastes better because it does not need to be transported over great distances; therefore is can be harvested when it is ripe and delicious.

By supporting local farms, you are helping to keep them in business. In return, this helps protect farmland from becoming developed. An investment in your local farmer is an investment in the economical growth of your local community.

One of the biggest benefits of buying local is the savings in fuel. When you buy local, your produce will not have traveled hundreds or even thousands of miles. This savings translates directly to lowering the demand for fossil fuels which will do a part to keep gas prices in check. In addition it is good for the environment and it allows you to contribute to the green movement without having to make a financial sacrifice.

How to Buy Local
Check the products at your local supermarket or grocery store to see where they came from. Most produce has a sticker or wrapper showing the origin. If you cannot tell, ask the produce manager.

Many urban areas maintain natural food markets and food co-ops. They are both great resources for local products.

Buy from your local farm stands when produce is in season. Ask the attendant where the produce came from, as some stands sell out of state produce. You might also check your local college to see if they host a seasonal produce stand.

On The Web
Find a local farmers market through the Internet. Do a search for 'farmers markets' including your city and state and you should find quite a few places to start.

Local Harvest (www.localharvest.org) is the best overall resource for locating local goods of all kinds. Their site is easy to use, informative and fun to explore. From the home page, you can search by farms, farmers markets, grocery/co-ops, restaurants, etc. It is the most comprehensive tool I have found on the web to learn about resources available to you.

Mark Parker is Budget Savvy's food columnist. If you have questions or need advice about food or organizing your kitchen, feel free to contact Mark at mark@budgetsavvymag.com.