For the HEALTH of it. Most foods we consume these days are processed, irradiated, preserved, supplemented.... the list goes on. It is no wonder why diabetes prevalence in Bermuda is at epidemic levels. You may say "But I always eat the suggested number of servings of ... vegetables and fruit a day." Did you miss out the word FRESH? That is what most of us are missing. Fresh local produce means it is more flavorful and more nutritious. Fruits and vegetables start to lose their optimal nutritional value as soon as they are picked. Eat Local, Eat Fresh, Eat Healthy.
You care about the ENVIRONMENT. Most of what we eat has been transported thousands of miles to Bermuda. Buying food from local farmers reduces carbon emissions, caused by long-distance food transport. It's also very difficult to care for the environment from thousands of miles away. How can we be sure that what we are buying is not having a negative impact on biodiversity, causing soil erosion, and/ or poisoning rivers. Look for local farmers who follow sustainable growing practices and energy use to minimize your food's environmental impact. Eat Local, Eat what you can see growing.
Because it TASTES better. Local food is fresher and tastes better than food that has been flown in from thousands of miles away. Think you can't taste the difference between lettuce picked yesterday and lettuce picked last week, factory-washed, and sealed in plastic? How about that Bermuda corn you picked up at the Farmer's roadstand, don't tell me that imported GMO corn is juicier and sweeter! When you eat local, you are getting produce at its peak, when it tastes its best. Also a little seasonal abstinence sure does make your tastes buds zing. Eat Local, Eat Tasty.
It's about reconnecting to the COMMUNITY. Knowing where your food is from connects you to the people who grow it. Instead of having a single relationship--to a big supermarket--you develop smaller connections to more food sources. Money spent with local farmers, producers and artisans stays close to home, working to build our local economy instead of being handed over to corporations in other countries. Since the food moves through fewer hands, more of the money you spend tends to get to the people growing it. Eat Local, Eat with your Community.
It's all about the MONEY. Put aside that frozen pizza or microwaved meal. You can find everything you need to make a healthy meal, at affordable prices when you buy local. All you need is a bit of imagination. More importantly, when you eat local, you are eating healthier. Yes, maybe the price of local produce is a little more expensive than imported in some cases. Just think of that little extra you pay as being health insurance premium, or a contribution to your retirement fund. Pay a little more now, or pay a lot with your health later. Eat Local, Eat for Life.
So, are you ready to begin eating local? Here is a list of a few places to visit to find fresh local produce for you and your family:
- Westover Farms & Butcher Shop - Greenfield Lane, Somerset (Fridays & Saturdays)
- Wadson's Home Farm Market - Luke's Pond Road, Southampton (Tuesdays - Fridays 10am - 6pm/ Saturdays 9am - 1pm)
- Sea Swept Farm Roadstand - Middle Road, Southampton (Saturdays)
- Salem Farm Roadstand - Middle Road, Warwick (Saturdays)
- Amaral Farms Roadstand - Middle Road (opposite Garthowen Estates), Devonshire (Saturdays 7am - 1pm)
- Pacheco & Son's Farm - Locust Lane, Devonshire (Mondays - Fridays 7:30am - 4pm / Saturdays 7:30am - 12pm)
- JJ Produce Farm Stand - South Rd., Devonshire (Saturdays, 7:30am - 4.30pm)
- Windy Bank Farm - Middle Road, Smith's (Saturdays, 7am - 12pm)
- City Market - Hamilton (Saturdays November - June, 8am - 12pm)
- Olde Town Market - Water Street, St. Georges (Sundays April - July, 2pm - 6pm)
