Farm fresh: buy local
As humans, we have a need to consume food; the sharing of a delicious meal can bring people closer together. You may think that the most delectable food can only be found in fine dining experiences that might be a little out of budget for the average student. However, consistently fresh and nutritious food is a lot closer then you may think.
The Guelph Farmers market, which is open every Saturday year-round from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. and located at the corner of Gordon St. and Waterloo Ave., has a large array of vendors selling produce straight out of the field. In a few weeks you can expect to find fresh peppers, peas, radishes, as well as cherries, strawberries and a wide variety of other fruits and vegetables.
Buying locally grown food is an environmentally friendly move. Fruits and vegetables travel a shorter distance and skip most of the packaging, creates much less waste and generates fewer emissions due to exhaust.
The price of food at a farmers market is considerably cheaper without the added transportation and packaging costs. The farmers try to price their food at a fair value for the consumer while remaining competitive and economically sound.
Knowing where your food comes from is an important thing to know and being able to talk to the farmer who grew the product can help you better understand how farms work and the amount of labor that it takes to get your food from the field to the market. Farmers at a farmers market are all very friendly and willing to answer any questions that you may have.
Another benefit of buying locally grown food is that you can be confident in knowing that your money is going back into your local economy. Farmers depend on sales to maintain their farms and support their families; by buying locally grown food you are helping farmers while being able to enjoy delicious food.
So next time you head to the grocery store maybe take a trip to the farmers market as well. Pick up some fresh strawberries, ask any questions that you may have, and go home and enjoy them knowing that you’re not only helping yourself save a few dollars but you’re helping a farmer make a living as well.