Why Buy Local? Because We Say So!

Given the amount of interference run by naysayers, it's no wonder you're still pondering the question of whether it's better to buy your produce, meat, eggs, and dairy from small farmers who live within 100 miles -- or whether the super-smart thing is to spend your dollars with the gigantic corporate Greed-tards that monopolize our food industries. Whether or not it saves fuel to buy local (and the juries are still out on that one) there are still excellent reasons to support Florida farmers. Here are a few off the top of my head:

Because what you get is fresher and tastes better (recently picked)
Because it has been allowed to ripen to maturity (and thus contains more nutrients)
Because it encourages you to try new foods (black eyed peas, mamay, passionfruit, pumpkin, pole beans) which in turn diversifies your diet (a diverse diet is healthier)
Because by supporting the farmers that exist in your area, you encourage others to go into the business, which supports the local economy
Because local farmers have to be accountable to you about their agricultural practices (like use of pesticides, antibiotics, and humane methods for rearing livestock)
Because local farmers hire local people
Because buying local fosters an appreciation of your landscape, climate, and culture, which in turn bonds you to your community

I'm sure there are lots more better reasons, and the organizers of Slow Foods Glades to Coast will be elaborating on them during a panel discussion Saturday May 16th, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Whole Foods Fort Lauderdale, and also demonstrating how to cook a few dishes with local foods. Participants include chef Dean Max of 3030 Ocean, Nancy Roe of Green Cay Produce, nutritionist Larissa Alonso and Steve Garza of Whitewater clams. To find out more and to RSVP, click here. Or call 954/565-4138.