Growing Local

What can we do to support food and farms? Here are five ways to join the local food movement: 1. Buying directly from farmers makes a big difference. Farmers markets are a great place to get to know the people who grow our food and to support their efforts. Winter markets start back up in early January throughout the region, making this an ideal time to connect with local farmers each week. 2. Visiting farms is a tangible way to participate in the local food system. Farm tours, pick-your -owns and other on-farm opportunities let people see local farms in action and better understand what it takes to bring farm-fresh foods to the table. 3. Buying local food at grocery stores and restaurants lets them know that there is demand for food grown locally. If you’re not sure whether produce or farm products are local, just ask! Speaking up encourages food buyers to stock more local foods. 4. Talking to public officials, neighbors, friends, and family about why you care about local food helps build a community o