How Does Your State Rank With Supporting Locally Grown Foods?

It is estimated that the average American meal travels about 1,500 miles to get from farm to plate. Our dependency on far away food sources leaves a region vulnerable to supply disruptions, and removes any real accountability of producer to consumer. As well, nutritional value can quickly decline as time passes after harvest. Finding local food sources can circumvent this impending issue and, because locally-grown produce is freshest, it is more nutritionally complete.

Search for locally grown food near you

On a personal note, I have always had a wonderful experience at farmers markets. I’m always curious how the farmers have grown their food and often ask vendors this question. The vendors are more than willing to give you information about their growing process and how the product was grown. And, because they want you to be a long-term customer, they will often make deals with you and sometime throw in additional products. As well, many provide samples to taste their newest fresh grown edibles. But knowing you are helping your community thrive is the best feeling in the world. Read more about the benefits of buying locally.

For the last ten years, the number of farmers markets have more than doubled. Although buying from local farmers markets has taken off, not all states share the same enthusiasm. Strolling with the Heifers has put out a very informative graphic on how the states compare in the growing interest in locally produced food.

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Tess Pennington is the editor for ReadyNutrition.com. After joining the Dallas chapter of the American Red Cross in 1999, Tess worked as an Armed Forces Emergency Services Center specialist and is well versed in emergency and disaster management and response. Tess is the author of The Prepper’s Cookbook: 300 Recipes to Turn Your Emergency Food into Nutritious, Delicious, Life-Saving Meals. When a catastrophic collapse cripples society, grocery store shelves will empty within days. But by following Tess’s tips for stocking, organizing, and maintaining a proper emergency food supply, your family will have plenty to eat for weeks, months, or even years.