Support a Family Farm

Support from local shoppers can make the difference between a family farm growing more and more acres of inedible corn for high-fructose corn syrup or growing a wide variety of fresh produce for local eaters.

When small farms have nearby markets for their produce (and flowers, herbs, honey, meat, dairy and eggs), they are able to make choices that support the restoration of natural resources, the health of their own families, and the health of their local communities.

How to Buy Local Food from a Family Farm:

Farmers who sell to big grocery chains and to packaged-food manufacturers make a few cents of the dollar you spend for a food product. But when you buy from the farmer directly, all the profit stays in their pocket and becomes part of your local economy. 

At the farmer's market, you'll find local growers, mostly from small farms. They offer whatever is just picked, for superior freshness and often at prices lower than the supermarket. And they'll answer your questions about how they grow each herb or vegetable. 

Some growers bring meat and eggs, as well. Want to know what "cage-free" or "humanely raised" really means? They can tell you, not in theory, but for their own farm and animals. Finally, many markets are like festivals, with live music, other local products on offer, and of course, samples to taste.
Find a farmers market near you

Visit a Farmstand or a U-pick Farm
A trip to go apple picking in the fall, visit the pumpkin patch, or gather baskets of spring berries makes a great family outing. When else do most of us get to see a real working family farm? Prices tend to be low, since the farmer saves labor and transportation. 

The farm may offer other products made from its produce, like jams or ice cream.  You only pick as much as you feel like; and it's as fresh as if you grew it yourself.

Have a Subscription Farm bring Fresh Produce to You
With Community Supported Agriculture (CSA's), rather than making a special trip to a farm or market, you pay the farmer a set fee before the season starts.

All season (or year, depending on your climate), your share of fresh produce is delivered to your home or workplace. This is a good system for people wanting to eat more veggies and willing to try new ones (many farmers provide recipes with the week's produce featured). If one share is two much for your household, you can split it with a friend, neighbor or co-worker.
Find a CSA in your area

Join a Food Cooperative
Some towns have co-ops, where shoppers buy a membership and get to help make decisions about what everyone buys. In this way, you add your voice (and dollars) to the call for fresh foods that grow well in your local area. Your combined buying power gives the local farmer enough security to raise smaller quantities than grocery chain would demand, allowing the family to diversify their crops and build healthy soil.

Eat Out at Restaurants that Buy Local Foods
A family farm can also sell directly to local restaurants, whose chefs design menus based on what's in season. As a diner, you benefit from their creativity as well as the freshness of all the ingredients.