Due to it being harvested for the Farm shop or farmers markets it does not need to travel any far distances, so it can be picked just a day or two before, as a result the crop has longer on the plant or in the ground to ripen and develop flavour. Using the freshest ingredients tends to produce the best - tasting dishes.

Local food is often more nutritious

In transportation, processing and shelf time in the supermarkets, fresh fruit and vegetables lose some of their nutrients. Vitamin C an important water - soluble nutrient, begins to degrade shortly after harvest, and antioxidants decline during storage.

Eating local is an opportunity to try new foods

This year I grew rainbow Beetroot, Candy Striped, Orange, White and Traditional. I have never seen these in a supermarket. I have really enjoyed the flavours and different recipes using them.

What new food have you tried...

Do you get vegetable boxes delivered to the door and find interesting items in it...

Purchasing local foods benefits the environment

Buying local results in less pollution and lower carbon footprints.

Local food travels shorter distances to market or the farm shop, which reduces transportation and processing, in turn reducing pollution and the carbon footprint.

We also tend to take items home in reusable bags or cardboard boxes, so less waste and plastic packaging.

Supporting farmers also protects our green spaces and local farm land from developers and supports biodiversity, healthy ecosystems and promotes clean air, water and soil.

Eating local supports local economy

By buying local allows our money to circulate with in the local economy, supporting local businesses, and jobs, making our community strong.

Eating local teaches you how your food is grown

My dad used to teach in the less affluent side of Nottingham and he was amazed that children thought milk and eggs came from the supermarket, they had no idea eggs came from chickens or milk came from cows.

I find growing my own and sourcing food locally is more satisfying and mindful, I feel more connected, and more comforted to know I can ask questions at the source on the products, re growing, and recipe ideas of new products.

Eating local is remarkably easy

*Find your local farmers market or farm shop

*Become a member of the Co-op

*When shopping for meat, vegetables and fruit at Morrisons over 85% is local

*Dine at farm-to-table restaurants.

Bottom line

Eating local doesn't just benefit your health and the farmers in your community. It also has a host of positive economic, social and environmental effects.

Local food tends to taste fresher, have more nutrients, and use less packaging. Supporting local food businesses leads to strong local economies.

If you are interested in reaping these benefits, start looking for farmers markets and farm shops.

Resources

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/why-eat-local-food

https://www.foodrevolution.org/blog/why-buy-local-food/

https://www.squaremilefarms.com/post/food-for-thought-what-are-the-benefits-of-eating-locally-grown-food

https://katnutrition.co/the-benefits-of-eating-local-food/

Benefits of eating local foods - Group talk week commencing 25th October 2021.

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