5 Places to Shop Sustainably for Local Produce

If you're looking to adopt more sustainable food habits, buying locally grown produce is definitely worth considering. Not only is local produce more nutritious, it's also better for the environment. By purchasing produce that's grown nearby, you'll be supporting local farmers and reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation. 

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Here are 5 places to source local, seasonal produce:

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FARMERS MARKETS

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Farmers markets are perhaps the most popular way to shop for locally grown, fresh, seasonal produce. Unlike supermarkets, the produce at farmers markets is fresh, and without any wax or additives. Plus, you can have direct conversations with the farmers who grow your food and even negotiate prices with them. A 2019 survey found that over 50% of the 8,000+ farmers markets in the U.S. accept SNAP and WIC benefits, making these markets more inclusive and affordable.

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Find Farmers Markets near me

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CSA BOXES

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Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) boxes are a great way to support the local food economy. These boxes are filled with locally grown seasonal produce. They are distributed weekly or bi-weekly to members who sign up. Over 4,000 US farms offer CSA programs, where members pay up-front, providing farmers with guaranteed funding for their next harvest. CSA boxes come in different sizes, and by signing up, you are supporting fair wages for farm workers and a healthy food economy.

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Find a local CSA near me

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FOOD CO-OPS

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Food co-ops are community-owned stores offer local vegetables and fruits in season with high-quality standards. Members get to shop and have a say in how the store is run. And if you're not a member, don't worry. Some co-ops are open to the public. By shopping at co-ops, you can help support small-scale food brands that might not be available at national grocers, keep more money in the local economy, and have more influence over what's being sold.

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Find Food Co-ops near me

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U-PICK FARMS

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U-pick farms offer a fun and affordable way to get fresh produce straight from the fields. They're great for families with young children and provide a learning opportunity for kids about where their food comes from. Picking your own fruits and veggies helps farmers save time and money, so their produce is priced lower than at the supermarket or farmers market.

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Find U-Pick Farms near me

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LOCAL GROCERY STORES

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Did you know that many grocery stores carry locally grown produce? There are a few ways to find it. Look for the country or state of origin on a sticker or label, or signs about the farmer or a "Locally grown" section. If you're shopping online, it may be challenging to see what's local. Instead, try to focus on buying what's in season. Also, if you’re looking for produce that is free from synthetic pesticides, growth hormones, and antibiotics, check for USDA Organic certificate.

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You can also use the Commons’ app to get a produce guide each month and find out what's in the season near you.

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There are numerous options available for shopping locally and seasonally. However, depending on your location and accessibility to such options, it may not be feasible to do so throughout the year. That’s ok! Do what’s in your control and remember, every little bit counts. Choosing local, seasonal produce is one way to eat more sustainably, but it’s not the only way.

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