What in the World is a Locavore? A “How-To” Guide to Eating Locally
“The New Organic?” - Better Tasting, Better for the Environment, Better for Local Economies & Better for Your Health

Does eating locally improve the quality of the food I purchase?
Given the impossibility of identifying the pesticides used and the route taken to grow and transport a food item from Central America to your local supermarket, foods grown locally make a lot of sense for those who want more control over what they put into their bodies. Local farmers do not have to worry as much about packing, shipping and shelf-life and can instead select, grow and harvest crops to ensure peak qualities of freshness, nutrition and taste. When food is harvested and delivered to you quickly, it maintains higher levels of nutrients and better taste. Even if the local farm is not organic, small farms tend to be less aggressive than large factory farms about the over use of chemicals protecting biodiversity and preserving a wider agricultural gene pool. 

Why is eating locally considered environmentally friendly?
According to the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture the average fresh food item on our dinner table travels 1,500 miles to get there. Buying locally produced foods eliminates the need for all that transportation. Additionally, small local farms generally practice crop rotation (nutritionally diverse plants occupy the same growing space in different seasons - tomatoes in summer, peas in winter) which creates more nutrient rich soil. The improved soil reduces the need for chemical fertilizers which reduces the chemicals in the soil, in the water and in our bodies. 

How does eating locally actually benefit the local economy? 
Farmers on average receive only 20cents of each food dollar spent, says John Ikerd, a retired agricultural economics professor. The rest of their money goes to transportation, packaging, refrigeration and marketing. Selling locally allows the farmers to receive the full retail value of their produce. Eating locally also encourages the use of local farmland for farming, preserving these open spaces keeping development in check. According toSimple-Green-Frugal, numerous research studies have shown that every $100 spent at a locally owned business returns $45 back into the community. Compared to the $14 returned when shopping at big-box stores, supporting local is worth a lot!

So given all this information, How can I Eat Locally?
Step 1: How local do you want to be? You can define local as within 100 miles of your home, within your state or as a product of the USA. The radius can change as you continue to learn and challenge yourself.
Step 2: Find Local Resources. This is the most difficult part of being a locavore, but once you figure it out it is as easy to eat local as it is to shop at big-box stores. Options include: Farmers Markets, CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture), Grocery or Natural Food Store (most stores have a local section), Visit local farms, Ask Around.
Step 3: Make a Plan. You don’t have to switch all at once - take it one step at a time. Bread, eggs, herbs and veggies are usually the easiest to find. Start there and as you learn more expand into meats, dairy and fruit.
Step 4: Adjust. Put the complicated recipes away. What’s in season and available will determine your menu. Be creative and ask for suggestions from your growers.
Step 5: Enjoy. You may end up having to make a couple extra trips and you may have to make a little extra effort in the beginning, but the relationships you develop with your food suppliers, the health benefits you discover and the better tasting food will certainly be a worth while reward!

Additional Resources
The 100-Mile Diet
Eat Local Challenge
Eating Better Than Organic