7. Farmer’s Markets – Support Local Independent Farmers
Farmer’s markets are a great resource since the produce is grown locally prices are generally cheaper than certified organic. Though typically they don’t us synthetic pesticides for their crops it is a good idea to ask what they use. The conventional produce is better because it doesn’t have to be transported far distances, which means that your food won’t lose valuable nutrients during shipping, and will not be picked early and gassed or placed in ripening rooms like in the grocery stores. The farmers are friendly, so best of all, if you have a question about a particular item, you can ask the source directly! Just be sure to ask where their farm is located (get an address).
8. Go Directly to the Farm
Going directly to the farm allows you to purchase the freshest cuts of meats available – directly from the source. When supermarkets buy meats, they pay for shipping, packaging and the equipment to cool the meat. The store then passes these costs onto you, the consumer. Buying the meat directly from the farmer allows you to bypass the middle man, the grocery store, so that you can save money. This translates to less money per pound for your meat.
Ask your family, friends and people in your neighborhood if they would like to split up the meat of a cow, chicken, or lamb. Let them know that they will most likely pay less per pound than going to the store – I’m sure you’ll have no problem finding at least 10 willing participants.
I recommend White Oak Pastures for beef and chicken. It’s also the best place to get the cheapest price per pound for the best quality. Many local farms feed their livestock grass and their chickens natural feed, so your food will still be nutritionally dense – for much less! If you want to confirm what the animals are eating, you can ask the farmer these questions directly.
Many of these farms give you the option to buy dairy and produce from them directly as well. To find the closest farm to you, please visit: www.eatlocalgrown.com or www.eatwild.com and my favorite: The Harris Family of White Oak Pastures in Bluffton, GA where they are “One Family, One Farm, Five Generations, 150 Years – A Full Circle Return to Sustainable Land Stewardship & Humane Animal Stockmanship” www.whiteoakpastures.com
Follow Me