A Small Soapbox ~ Buying Local Produce

The main point of this blog is to share my adventures in the kitchen with you, and 99% of the time I will stick with such topics.  But today instead of a Friday Links post I wanted to share with you my thoughts on buying local produce, as well as the benefits it brings to everyone involved.

*Disclaimer:  I know my thoughts on eating healthier may seem like an oxymoron considering the amount of sugary treats I feature on this blog.  But do know that I believe balance is key.  Sure, enjoy that slice (or two slices) of Italian Cream Cake, but then also balance that out with a lighter dinner.  One can't subsist on cookies and cake alone, and fresh fruit and veggies are a great way to balance out a sweet tooth.

Okay, so back to my little soapbox.  Everyone knows that eating fresh fruits and veggies is better for you, but so often this isn't done because it is simply is more expensive to purchase those fruits and veggies than it is to pick up that cheap bag of Lays.  And not only does fresh produce cost more, but it also doesn't have anywhere near the shelf life of processed food.  Those twinkies will stay good for YEARS, but those grapes in the fridge will go soft in about a week and then you have to toss them.

I certainly can't argue that produce from the grocery store doesn't drain your wallet, but I believe the exception is produce from your local farmer's market.  Buying local not only supports a business in your own community, but it also allows you to purchase this precious produce at a much lower cost.  This is possible because the food isn't marked up to account for additional costs including marketing and shipping.