Support Your Local Farmers!!!

I remember growing up in New Jersey and visiting the local farmers market with my mom and grandma. It was such a part of life to stop by weekly and get our fresh produce. Tomatoes, plums, peaches, and nectarines are some of my favorites I remember. I loved biting into them.

Veggies from the farmers!

I am happy to be back in an area where I can have this as a part of our lives and now I have an even greater appreciation for local food. There is nothing like it. This week I really made some great purchases and meals are being made. Sometimes I do not feel like making an involved dinner and to solve this problem in the past I used to go pick up a fast food item or just use a microwave and heat up a frozen meal.

Organic Local Cabbage - $3 and will make a big pot of soup! 

Now my goal is keeping some simple healthy items on hand at all times to create a healthy quick meal instead of going out to get one or radiating some processed food. I always keep rice pasta, tofu, and brown rice in the kitchen. When I feel tired I just create a simple stir fry of local farmers veggies and mix it with pasta, brown rice, or tofu. Quick meal. Not a frozen dinner, not a fast food item, just a nice local healthy mix! Add a side salad with a quick homemade dressing (I whip up honey mustard in a minute) and dinner is served. Simple and so much better for the family.

Brown Rice Pasta with local stir-fry veggies and side salad - 1/2 hour meal to prepare

I am awaking to understanding the gift of the farmer and buying local. Now that I am a candle maker I understand the great appreciation when people support my local business.

So much of my life has been in grocery stores, buying veggies and fruits and although I do need things from them still (and in winter of course you may have to buy your live foods at the market), to support your local farmer whenever possible is one of the greatest feelings. I know where my food is coming from, I know if it is pesticide free, it was just picked around the corner so the health benefits are so much better, it is less impact on the earth to buy local, and I know someone planted that seed for the community to consume. I have even been invited to visit farms and talk with farmers to learn more. Yesterday I asked important questions to a local farmer who raises cattle and it is nice to know where my meat is coming from and what is being fed to the cattle. I feel it is local communities that will change this world.

I strongly suggest looking in your area for local goods and supporting them. From crafts to food. Local is the best energy around! You feel it when you use local goods. Back to basics!