Real People Eat Local

Michael Cooney, a paramedic, EMT volunteer in Greenbelt and teacher of paramedics at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, has this to say about local food:

“I try to stay fit as best I can. Local food hasn’t traveled long and doesn’t require as many preservatives. There are no nitrites and no MSG. The nutrients don’t break down. I like local foods, too, because they cost less in energy to get to my table, and that’s a big thing with me. I’d also rather the money stay here. I want to support the local community. I volunteer here (Greenbelt Volunteer Fire Department) because I want to support my hometown. I was born and raised here.

“In this area, we really have seasonal variations in food. For example, I had a salad today with mustard greens and arugula. I usually don’t eat tomatoes until late summer. But I did have one the other day and it was a miserable excuse. It was watery filler!”

“I buy local and organic food at the co-op grocery store, if I can. My brother and I bought a side of local beef a year ago. And I really like CSAs (community supported agriculture programs). Now, my wife and I have a share in Even’ Star Organic Farm’s winter CSA. A few years ago, I picked up a friend’s CSA share at Clagett Farm. That’s where I got the idea. And then I got hooked.”