Did you know that from field to fork, the average meal travels 1,500 miles? My food travels more than I do!
The less the food has to travel, the less impact on Mother Earth. In an attempt to eat more locally produced foods, we checked out two of the local farmers’ markets this morning. The Atlanta area has a large number and one of our goals is to check out at least 2 new ones per month.
The first farmers’ market we went to was quite small, less than 10 booths. The available produce was gorgeous and we bought two kinds of lettuce, some tomatoes and two bunches of carrots from one vendor. I cannot wait to try them. The prices were comparable to organics in many grocery stores.
We bought some pork chops and steaks from another vendor and admit we were shocked at the price. We could go to Whole Paycheck Foods and buy twice as much organic meat for the price we paid at the farmers’ market. Perhaps the prices were so high because it is in a more upscale neighborhood. All I know is the chops and steak had better be the best we have every eaten for that price – otherwise we cannot justify making a second purchase. I was going to say the meat had best do tricks, but I would freak if it did that. Zombie beef is not my thing.
A picture of the bounty! Yes, I put it on the floor. It had just been mopped, so there. Those things that look like dirt were carrot top bits.
We decided to try a second farmers’ market which ended up being more of an international mega-store. It was huge! Not much was locally produced but the prices, quality and selection were outstanding. I found produce I have not seen since I left Hawaii and I bought some new vegetables for us to try out. I was thrilled to see signs saying where things were grown, which will help us find foods grown more locally. We will definitely be returning often – if nothing else for things I cannot find elsewhere. Like Russian wine.
Originally we had hoped to eat primarily local foods but after seeing the prices, that is just not in our budget (unless we win the lottery). What we will do is commit to eating local one day per week. We will look for foods that are grown in the United States versus internationally. Along with Meatless Mondays, these should lesson our carbon footprint by a bit.
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I love farmer’s markets! Last year from May-something to September-something there was one across the street from work, every Thursday. I think they’re prepping for it’s impending arrival, which pleases me. Fruit and veggies and flowers… I’m getting excited just thinking about it! LOL!
I think you’ve got a good plan going on with eating locally one day/week and meatless Mondays. I can’t wait to hear how the meat tastes!