The locavore movement or eating locally grown foods is moving rapidly across the country. People are simplifying by seeking out food sources that are close to home or within a 100 mile radius. Here I will discuss why going local makes sense and I will give advice on how to make this happen.

Eating locally grown foods gives you more bang for the buck. For example, if you buy an apple a few days after it is picked you will get a more nutritious apple than one that was picked months ago and shipped across the country. The nutritional content of that apple will be far superior. Along with greater nutrition it will taste better as well.

If you purchase local products you are boosting your local economy. In many instances you will be paying the farmer directly instead of paying many middle men. In times like these boosting the local economy is the right thing to do.

Shopping close to home is good for the environment. If you choose food that is grown within 100 miles from your home, think of the gas and pollution you have saved. Picture your local farmer loading up his goods to sell 10 miles from his home to your local market. On the other hand, picture many big rigs crossing the country to bring Floridians apples from New York.

It is a win-win situation for all when you choose to eat locally. You get more nutritious foods and the money stays in your local economy while at the same time the environment wins as well. Here are some tips on how you can start the process of becoming a locavore. Remember, start slowly and do not become overwhelmed. Slow and steady wins the race.

1. Visit your local farmer’s market. Farmer’s Markets are springing up all over the country. Browse around the market and get to know your farmers and what they produce. Oftentimes, markets charge lower prices than grocery stores. Buy in bulk from them and freeze or can for the winter.

2. Visit your local farms. Oftentimes, farmers offer a U-Pick option at their farms. Stock up on berries for the winter by freezing them in the summer. You can learn so much from visiting the farm and talking to the farmers.

3. Visit your local grocery store and see what they provide that is local. Some stores have a locally grown section. Ask a store manager if the information is not apparent.

4. Join a CSA (Community Sponsored Agriculture). By joining a CSA you invest in your local farmer and in return you get a “share” of veggies and/or fruit for the week. You get undeniably delicious fresh veggies that taste so different than their grocery store counterparts. There are also dairy and meat CSA’s.

5. Grow your own garden. Start and create your own backyard garden. Think about what your favorite veggies are and what you can grow in your climate. Be realistic about it and don’t try to grow melons in Canada! Gather your family and make it a fun project.

6. Learn to can and freeze the bulk purchases you made throughout the year. That way, for example, you can enjoy yummy tomato sauce in the cold winter or frozen berries in your smoothie at Christmas.

7. Think of the non-vegetable/fruit aspects of your food intake and research ways to get them locally. Is there a local purveyor of tea and/or coffee? Do you live near vineyards and get local wines? Is there a local flour mill? Or a local bakery? You can use Google on your internet to search for local foods in your area.

Becoming a locavore can be a fun and exciting project. How can you not win when you buy only the most local fresh foods while boosting your nutritional intake and the local economy while preserving the environment? Try out this helpful advice outlined here and let us know what you think.