Knowing where to shop for local food is just as important as knowing what local food really is. We all have different feelings about shopping - some of us think of it as an adventure, an opportunity to discover new things, others see it as a necessary evil. Whatever your shopping profile, local food can be incorporated into it with just a few adjustments. In this section, you can find out about the most familiar and accessible places to shop for local food -- farmers' markets. You can also learn which retailers in the area carry products from local farms and producers. Don't forget to check out our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) page to learn about farms where you can share in the regular harvest, sometimes with home delivery. Picking up meat, produce, cider, and other farm products by visiting farms in person can be a fun outing and another great way to get closer to your food. Roadside stands may also provide local fare, but be sure to ask the origin of the food. (Click here for photos of area farmers' markets.)
In addition to your state agricultural department, there are several organizations that can be great resources for finding farmers' markets or direct connections to farmers. Especially if you are looking for organics or sustainably farmed products, try the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA), Future Harvest - a Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture (CASA), the Virginia Association for Biological Farming (VABF), and the Maryland Organic Food and Farming Association (MOFFA). Links to all are available here.
Roadside Stand in Chevy Chase, MD, of Norman's Farm Market
Kristi and Renee were invited to share their thoughts on how consumers and farmers can "make the local food connection" at MOFFA's Annual Meeting in January 2007 at the Maryland Department of Agriculture in Annapolis.
Fay Watson and Michelle Klein plate Susan Belsinger's arugula, beet and feta salad during Belsinger's demonstration of cooking with the robust herbs of winter
We got up close and personal with a few of the auction items - Kristi actually won the emu egg and seed garlic bulbs she's holding!
Kristi's winter greens quiche with whole spelt crust and Renee's watermelon rind pickles joined the delicious seasonal foods brought by MOFFA members for the potluck lunch
Alice Ortuzar introduces organic herb gardener and cookbook author Susan Belsinger
All content of the Real People Eat Local website and the Local Mix email newsletter is original and the property of Renee Brooks Catacalos and Kristi Bahrenburg Janzen. We welcome your comments at feedback@realpeopleeatlocal.com.
