Buy Local!

As you eat your next meal, spend a few minutes thinking about where what you are about to eat comes from. Chances are, whether you’re seated in a restaurant or at your own dinner table, the food you’re about to consume has traveled a few miles. A typical carrot has been nearly 1900 miles before getting to you according to a published study. Atlantic Salmon, featured at eateries and sold by grocers everywhere is caught off the coast of Norway. As Jeff Rubin, in his book “Why your World is About to Get a Whole Lot Smaller” points out that from there, it is sent to mainland Europe, then to China where it is thawed, processed, and refrozen before being sent to the United States.

As I think of the distance food travels, I think of the number of Salmon and fishermen working in the Great Lakes. My mind also turns to the carrots currently growing in the garden behind my house. As the economy continues to stagnate, I cannot help but think of what a strong impact buying local can have in stimulating economies. Not only would consumers get fresher produce, local farmers would benefit.

The concept of urban agriculture continues to grow in Detroit. Abandoned lots are being converted into community gardens to supply the fresh produce restaurants and local consumers are eating each evening. There is also the rise of CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) in which shares of the fruits and vegetables produced at small farms sold to local consumers. Farmer’s Markets provide yet another way to purchase local food. Studies indicate that 80 to 90 cents of every dollar spent at a Farmer’s Market directly benefit those who bring their produce to sell.

Buying local keeps money within communities and is something we can all do to help improve the economy.