Why eat locally produced foods? Well, eating them not only eliminates much of the environmental impact of shipping foods long distances but also allows you to have fresher choices when it comes to your dinner. Local foods are more plentiful in nutrients and have a greater taste due to being very fresh. Also, by purchasing these foods you in turn help out your local economy, keeping money within your community.  However, finding locally produced foods is often quite a chore as many large grocery stores do not carry them.

It doesn't have to be that difficult though. There are a number of resources out there that will ease your search for local foods.  One of my favorites, due to ease of use and prolific content, is a site called Local Harvest. You can input your city and state, and, through the magic of the internet, the site will pull up all the various family farms, food cooperatives, farmer's markets, and other businesses which provide sustainable, organic foods grown locally. There is a map displayed with all the businesses marked so you can see what is closest to your location.

Other sites that can help you for local eating adventures include:

Soil Association (UK) - Although based out of the UK, the Soil Association provides myriad tidbits of knowledge regarding eating locally and its importance.

Food Routes - Do you know how far your food travels before it reaches your table?

Organic Consumers Association - Lots of news and general information regarding organic, sustainable, and local living.