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Locally grown food is fresher than non-local food. Most of the food sold in supermarkets comes as far away as California and Mexico. The food spends
at least a week in transport and is not as likely to taste as fresh or last as long in your refrigerator. Many foods lose their nutrient value and
taste within this short amount of time.
Buying locally produced products strengthens our local, regional and state economies. In North Carolina, we spend about $35 billion a year on food.
If we spent 10 percent or $1.05 per day on local foods and products, approximately $3.5 billion would be available in our local economies (Center
for Environmental Farming Systems).
Buying locally grown products will ensure the livelihood of our farmers for generations. Farmers who sell wholesale rarely get above 10% of retail
price, making it difficult to survive. Farmers who sell direct to consumers cut out the middleman and receive close to retail price, giving farmers
the chance of staying on their farms, growing food and preserving a way of life.
We live in one of the most pristine and beautiful mountain communities in the world. As locally grown food becomes more profitable for farmers, the
likelihood that the land will be sold and developed decreases.
The choices we make when we shop for food items and eat out at restaurants have an impact on the health of our economies. We encourage you to seek
out those businesses-grocery stores, restaurants-that sell items that are produced locally. Talk to the managers of your favorite groceries and
restaurants and ask them to buy directly from our local farmers.
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