Ditch the Diet, Embrace the Local: A New Year’s Resolution
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Tired of the same old “lose weight” resolutions that fizzle out faster than a New Year’s Eve sparkler? This year, why not ditch the diet and embrace a resolution that’s good for your body, your wallet, and your community: buy local food in McDowell County!
Why go local?
According to the NC State Extension, buying locally grown food offers a slew of benefits:
- Fresher, tastier food: Let’s be honest, there’s nothing quite like the taste of a sun-ripened tomato plucked straight from the vine. Local food often travels shorter distances, meaning it reaches your table at its peak freshness and flavor.
- Support local farmers: Every dollar spent at a local farm or farmers’ market stays within the community, boosting the local economy and supporting hardworking families. Plus, it helps preserve our agricultural heritage.
- Reduce your carbon footprint: Transporting food across long distances consumes a significant amount of fossil fuels. By choosing locally grown options, you can lessen your environmental impact.
- Improve your health: Local food is often grown without the use of excessive pesticides and chemicals, making it a healthier choice for you and your family.
Finding local food in McDowell County:
- Farmers’ Markets: The Historic Marion Tailgate Market is a fantastic resource for fresh produce, meats, and other locally made goods. The HMTM will be open on Saturdays starting in May. Head down to meet the farmers who grow your food!
- Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): Consider joining a CSA, where you receive a weekly share of fresh, seasonal produce directly from a local farm. It’s a great way to try new things and build relationships with your food producers. There are a few CSAs available in McDowell.
- Roadside Stands: Keep an eye out for roadside stands throughout the county. These often offer seasonal produce, honey, jams, and other farm-fresh goodies. It’s a great way to support small-scale farmers and discover hidden gems.
- Farm-to-table restaurants: Some local restaurants source ingredients from nearby farms. Enjoy a delicious meal while supporting sustainable agriculture. Some advertise, others don’t. Ask the restaurant where they source their ingredients. Encourage them to support local.
Making it fun!
- Plan a “local food feast”: Challenge yourself to cook an entire meal using only locally sourced ingredients. Get creative and see what delicious dishes you can come up with. An Appalachian author challenged herself to use locally sourced ingredients mainly from her own garden for an ENTIRE year. Barbara Kingsolver documented the journey in Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. Our local library has a copy.
- Start a garden: Even a small herb garden can contribute to your local food journey. Plus, it’s a rewarding hobby that connects you with nature.
So, this year, ditch the generic resolutions and embrace a meaningful one that benefits your health, your community, and the environment. Buy local, eat well, and support the vibrant agricultural scene of McDowell County!
