Why Eat Local?
The holidays are the perfect time to appreciate the gift of local agriculture. The centerpiece of so many holidays is the meal. From the main course to the decadent dessert, it is easy to take advantage of what local agriculture can provide and form new traditions by adding at least one local food item to your table. The benefits of purchasing local food stretch beyond the great taste it adds to the meal to supporting the local economy, sustainability, and the environment. Add those to your list of things to celebrate this holiday season!
Fresher, More Nutritious, and More Varied Food Choices
Shopping at farmer's markets or joining a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program encourages the consumer to talk directly to the farmer to learn when the food was picked and how it was grown. Local farmers tend to grow different varieties of our favorite foods or other fruits and vegetables that grow more regionally and may not be available in our supermarkets. This allows for a wider variety of fruits and vegetables leading to a more nutritious diet.
Good for the Local Economy
Eating local keeps money in the community. If you buy local products from local stores and vendors, a higher percentage of that dollar will stay in the local community. This creates a more stable economy and community.
Good for the Environment
Local growers have the opportunity to limit their use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Instead they rely more on crop rotation, animal manure, and biological controls to manage pests and weeds. With most food traveling long distances, purchasing food locally can decrease the food production footprint on the environment by decreasing energy consumption. This also holds true for urban farms and community gardens. They are located closer to higher populated areas creating a short distance between the consumer and the producer.
What is the Food System?
The food system involves all of the steps taken and materials used to get food to your plate. It encompasses food producers (farmers) and food consumers (eaters) and all of the industries and actions that link them together. The key components of the food system are:
- Production (growing, harvesting)
- Processing (transforming or changing, packaging)
- Distribution (transporting, marketing)
- Consumption
- Disposal (of food and food packages)
Every community has a food system, whether we are aware of it or not. Decisions and policies are made every day that affect how and where our food is grown, how it is processed, distributed, purchased, prepared and protected, and how it is served in our homes, schools, and restaurants.
The policies and priorities that regulate local farmers, restaurants, grocery stores, and schools all play a role in shaping our food system, as do the individual attitudes we hold about the quality and essence of our food.
The Greater Kansas City Food Policy Coalition is dedicated to examining the local food system and providing ideas and recommendations for improvement through public policy and grassroots involvement. Get involved today.
