There was a time when homesteading wasn’t called homesteading. It was a way of life. it’s just how people lived.
It was also a time when most Americans knew where their food came from. Eating processed foods was uncommon, and most people either raised their own produce and meat or bought it from farmers.
There is a movement back to those practices. A growing number of Americans are recognizing that it’s important for their health to know where their food originates. This is why it’s important to support local farms across Ohio.
Here are some reasons to buy your meat and produce from local farms:
Freshness
Produce is harvested at peak ripeness at local farms. Veggies and fruit are packed with flavor and nutrients. Meat is fresh and does not contain the preservatives found in packages in grocery stores.
Support the Local Economy
When you shop at a local farm, every dollar stays in your community. It’s an investment for your health, the farm’s financial health, and the economic health of the region.
Create Community Connections
Instead of driving by the farms you have seen for a long time, meeting local farmers helps you understand the process of bringing the food from the field to your kitchen table, and it creates a connection to the food you eat and the people who provide the food. You can also learn about seasonal produce, get cooking tips, and learn interesting stories about what it takes to grow the food you eat.
Seasonal Eating
There is a chronic disease epidemic that continues to get worse in America. That’s because many Americans consume a diet with processed foods. Shopping at local farms encourages you to eat seasonally, which can inspire a healthier diet. Consuming vegetables and fruits in their natural season allows you to experience them at their peak nutritional flavor and value.
Hard-to-Find Products
Many local farms offer unique products that are difficult to find in grocery stores. And some of these farms offer handcrafted goods – like preserves, cheeses, honey, and sauces.
Fewer Pesticides
Local farms that practice organic farming methods or at the least limit pesticide use grow healthier fruits and vegetables.
All In Ohio features homesteads and farms across Ohio. If you have a farm and would like to be featured, please email jeff@jefflouderback.com.
