Why Buy Local?
The growing popularity of eating locally grown food may best be demonstrated by the fact that, in 2007, the New Oxord American Dictionary's Word of the Year was "locavore". Many people are making the switch from supermarkets to farmer's markets because eating locally grown food is healthier for the environment and for the body.
Some estimates state that your food may travel up to 2500 miles before it reaches you, although more conservative estimates place it at 1300 to 1500 miles [1]. This is problematic not only because of the amount of fossil fuels used, but also because the farms who ship items long distances tend to choose their crops based on their hardiness, rather than taste. Also, it may take as long as 14 days for produce to reach a supermarket. By choosing to eat locally grown produce, you will enjoy more variety, better taste and fresher food.
Community-building is another notable benefit of eating locally. Supporting small family farms close to your home, rather than distant agri-businesses, puts more money into your community. Cutting out the multiple middlemen results in the farmer keeping costs to the consumer lower while also increasing his or her profits! With conventionally marketed agriculture, the farmer only receives 18 cents of your food dollar [2]. To learn 
more about where your food dollar goes, see the following information from Penn State, the Alabama Farmers Federation, or Local Harvest.
Many small family farms, in an effort to set themselves apart from conventionally produced agriculture, have adopted organic growing practices. One farm featured on this site, Snipes Farm, recently invested in putting solar panels on their cider press barn, cutting their energy needs.
Find out how great eating locally can be. Learn more about the options that are available to you in Lower Bucks.
1. FoodRoutes Network, "The Best Tasting Food Ripens Close to Home," FoodRoutes.org, http://www.foodroutes.org/whycare2.jsp (accessed June 7, 2009).
2. Local Harvest, "Why Buy Local," LocalHarvest.org, http://www.localharvest.org/buylocal.jsp (accessed May 30, 2009).
