Frugal Kitchens 101 - Ten Benets of Eating Foods Grown and Produced Locally

A couple of weeks ago I discussed a few ways to be a locavore even if you don't have your own transportation other than walking or biking.  With a bit of ingenuity it is quite possible to eat foods grown and produced within a 100 mile radius of your home without necessarily traveling that distance.  One of the best reasons for becoming a locavore is getting a higher quality of food with a lower environmental impact that costs less. 

Ten benefits of eating foods grown organically and produced locally:

1. Focusing on locally grown and produced foods brings a greater awareness to what you are consuming.
2. Locally grown and produced foods tend to be less expensive than those foods that are imported.
3. Locally grown produce ripen naturally rather than being forced and is picked at the peak of freshness so it tastes better.
4. Produce grown close to home is fresher (aka taste better) with a higher nutritional content than imported produce that has traveled a considerable distance to reach your table.
5. Supporting local growers encourages sustainable growing practices that minimize the environmental impact of food production.
6. Buying from local growers promotes variety since local growers are more apt to grow heirloom varieties and other varieties not available in the grocery stores.
7. Buying from local growers strengthens the local economy as the money those growers earn in turn goes back into the local economy in the form of community support, taxes, and supporting other local businesses.
8. The risk of exposure to well-traveled pathogens and possibly antibiotic-resistant bacteria is minimized.
9. Buying from local growers is eco-friendly, reducing your total carbon footprint in food acquisition. 
10. Being a locavore promotes a healthy lifestyle.