Local Foods 101
By Molly Watson, About.com Guide
- Get Started Eating Local Foods
- What's In Season?
- Local Foods State-by-State (and Province-by-Province)
Get Started Eating Local Foods
Buying and eating locally grown food can be a big transition. It is also one that can be made gradually, with little changes here and there that add up over time. Keeping the big picture in mind — that you're getting better tasting food and supporting local farms and businesses — will make the transition easier if it starts to seem overwhelming.
What's In Season?
The key to eating locally is knowing what's in season. Use these guides to learn the natural flow of fruits and vegetables throughout the year. Cooking seasonally can be a big adjustment at first, but the deprivation of certain fruits and vegetables for months at a time only makes them taste better when you finally have them, fresh and full of in-season flavor.
Local Foods State-by-State (and Province-by-Province)
These state guides to local foods contain seasonality guides, farmers market listings, regional specialties, and more to help you find and appreciate local foods wherever you live.
- State-by-State Guides
- State Seasonality Guides
- State Farmers Market Listings
- Canadian Provinces Guides
- Canada Seasonality Guides
Shopping Farmers Markets
The first step most people take towards eating more locally grown food is to shop at farmers markets. Each market has its own rules or guidelines. Look for one that asks stands to sell only items they grow or produce; this helps keep the products truly regional. Once you start eating the super-fresh produce available at farmers markets, you may never go back!
- Tips for Shopping at Farmers Markets
- How to Save Money at Farmers Markets
- Readers Tips for Shopping at Farmers Markets
Find a Farmers Market
These guides to farmers markets by state are a great way to start your search for a farmers market in your area.
- Readers Favorite Farmers Markets
- Mid-Atlantic Farmers Markets
- Midwest Farmers Markets
- Mountain State Farmers Markets
- New York & New England Farmers Markets
- South & Southeast Farmers Markets
- Southwest & Texas Farmers Markets
- West Coast Farmers Markets (includes Alaska and Hawaii)
CSAs - Community-Supported Agriculture
CSAs are a great way to connect to local farms. Joining one will bring a regular supply of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables – some CSAs even offer flowers, honey, eggs, and more – to your kitchen.