Hundreds of years ago, the food most people ate typically came from their backyard, or that of a neighbor, or local farmer. Today, food travels across city and state lines, and often makes a lengthy trek overseas. Local food has become more of a commodity rather than the norm. But with the help of the food justice movement, the food sovereignty movement, the environmental movement, and others, we’re better understanding the benefits and importance of eating local food—meaning items that are grown and harvested close to where we live. Choosing some local produce, eggs, dairy, meat, and more can help support local farm families, protect farmland, optimize taste, and nutrition, and decrease our carbon footprint. Interested in learning more about local food? Read on for stats and facts plus strategies to add more local items to your pantry and refrigerator.
