Why shop local? When you buy it local, the food is often fresher than produce trucked hundreds or thousands of miles. Fresh means more vitamins, better taste and more ‘life force.’ Local produce is often organic although it may not be certified. Don’t hesitate to ask if the crops were sprayed. Nowadays, it is also important to ask if GMO seeds were used, especially if buying sweet corn because 85% of corn grown in the U.S. is GMO. You will probably have to go organic to avoid this one. Since food raised in your area doesn’t have to travel long distances, natural resources are spared and the ‘carbon footprint’ is smaller. This means that local foods generally contain fewer toxic chemicals, may be healthier, and generate much less pollution on the way to your mouth than organic foods that have travelled many miles over a longer period of time. Purchasing food from area farmers is a boon for your local economy. In the North Country of New York where I live, there are many small farms. Selling their produce, eggs, home baked goods, and plants at markets and farm stands brings in much needed money to keep the farms going and meet their financial needs. Buying food directly from the farmers is a win-win for both of you. If you are lucky enough to live in an area where a farm offers a food share program, you can sign up to receive a delivery of seasonal produce every week or two for a set fee. It’s easy and you’ll get to try vegetables you may have never tried before. Raise some of your own food, even if you just have a pot or two of patio tomatoes and some herbs. There is something very satisfying about working with the soil and producing your own food. If you live near farm country, check to see where you can pick your own. Around here, we can pick our own strawberries, blueberries and, in the fall, apples. Many families make it a yearly event. During the off-season, when local produce isn’t available, it is wise to purchase the following organic produce as conventional produce is heavily sprayed with toxic chemicals: peaches, apples, bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, pears, imported grapes, spinach, lettuce, and potatoes. If they are not available, wash well and remove the skin if possible. It isn’t crucial to purchase organic onions, avocados, sweet corn, pineapples, mangoes, asparagus, frozen sweet peas, kiwi, bananas, cabbage, broccoli and papaya. They are the least contaminated of all fruits and vegetables (if at all). Most of the pineapple crop is organic anyway. When you purchase organic and/or local food, you vote with your wallet and send a message to farmers, manufacturers and retailers that you are a conscious consumer who wants healthy goods for you and your family. When you vote with your wallet, they listen. Your Wellness Challenge This month’s challenge is fun and easy! Visit your local farmer’s market or a farm stand at least once this summer. If you don’t have one nearby, check out your grocery store and look for organic or locally grown foods. Northerners will have to wait until mid-August to get a lot of local produce, but don’t let that stop you from going earlier in the season for greens, eggs, honey, maple syrup and more. At the market, purchase a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, and treat yourself to a loaf of homemade bread or fruit pie. Be adventurous and take home produce you’ve never tried before. Make a game of learning about and choosing one new vegetable or variety of your favorite fruit or vegetable every time you go. If you let your kids make the choice, they are more likely to eat it. Grownups, too. Enjoy! Views:]]>