The food industry supplies your grocery store and neighborhood markets with products that might have traveled thousands of miles before you buy them. This food was fresh at the beginning of its journey, but it cannot compare to food that you grow yourself or buy from local producers in season. Consumers who want the freshest food can use a variety of strategies that shorten the distance between sources of food and the dinner table.
Eat in Season
The main step that helps you eat fresh is to eat in season. Although modern technology lets consumers and food processors store and preserve foods by freezing and canning, the healthiest foods and the freshest are those that you buy during the season in which they are harvested. Use a calendar to estimate the harvesting times for crops native to your region. Find sources and suppliers that give you access to these crops as they mature.
Eat Local
Farmers markets and community-supported agriculture are two sources of foods produced in your local area. Because these foods do not need to travel long distances, they are fresher than food that reaches you after a long journey, and producers do not harvest them before maturity. For meat, fish and seafood, contact producers or join a cooperative that has access to freshly caught or slaughtered farm animals. Some farmers sell shares that give you part ownership of livestock in exchange for your contribution to the expenses for upkeep and the operator's costs. Learn to fish and catch crabs, if you live near or travel to waterways. Contact hunters or get a license and participate during local wildlife hunting season.
Grow Food
Despite limited green space, even urban dwellers have growing options. Contact your county agricultural extension office to find community gardens near you. Find out how to participate and take gardening classes if available. Ask your city government about green roof projects that allow city residents to grow food on the roofs of public and commercial buildings. Try container gardening to produce fresh food on apartment or condominium balconies and on your deck if your homestead has no suitable area for a bigger garden.
Glean Food
Identify local growers that participate in gleaning programs. These farmers allow residents from their region to collect crop remnants at the end of the harvest season. Pack a few baskets and gather a group of friends and family to collect and share food gleaned from nearby farms or drive farther and return with your bounty after spending a weekend outdoors.
Diversify Food Options
Expand your fresh food choices with under-utilized crops. Learn to recognize and forage for edible wildflowers, berries and neglected edible plants such as kudzu, pokeweed and dandelion greens that grow in areas near you. If you find it on public land or private property, contact the owners and request permission to harvest it. Offer a reasonable payment when appropriate.
References
- "Diabetes Forecast" Magazine; "The Basics of Community-Supported Agriculture"; Tracey Neithercott; July 2011
- University of Washington Center for Public Health; "Harvest Against Hunger"; Summer 2009
- University of Florida Cooperative Extension; "Green Roofs in Urban Landscapes"; Eva Worden et al.
- MSN Money; "Live Off the Land -- In the City"; Donna Freedman
