5 Reasons to Eat Locally-Grown Food

We talk a lot about how important it is to buy and eat Michigan-grown and raised fruits and veggies, but we haven’t explained why it’s so important! How does buying locally grown produce benefit our communities? Why is eating locally grown food better for our families? And…what does “locally grown” even mean?

In Michigan, “locally grown” food means it’s grown or processed in our state. Locally grown food isn’t grown at large commercial farms and it isn’t transported over long distances — it’s some of the freshest fruits and veggies you can buy!

Now that we have an idea of what locally grown fruits and veggies means, here are five reasons to buy and eat them: 

1. Locally grown food tastes better! Fruits and veggies that travel long distances are harvested early, so they don’t get too ripe on their journey. Since locally grown food isn’t making a long trip, it’s picked at PEAK ripeness for maximum flavor.
2. Besides being extra tasty, locally grown food is more nutritious. Fresh, local fruits and veggies hang on to all their nutrients because they’re making a shorter trip from farm to fork. 
3. Buying locally grown food encourages us to eat seasonally. In-season fruits and veggies are at their tastiest and most nutritious. (Pro tip: Freeze in-season veggies to enjoy them all year long.) 
4. Local food = smaller farms = more variety! Large, commercial farms are built to mass-produce certain kinds of produce, but small farms don’t necessarily work the same way. They may grow a variety of fruits and veggies that you wouldn’t be able to find just anywhere. 
5. Buying local food supports the local economy and keeps our money close to home. That money not only supports our local farmers, it’s also more likely to be reinvested in businesses and services in our communities.

Keep an eye out for Michigan-grown and -raised fruits and veggies the next time you Double Up at a participating store or market.

Find a location near you!