By Charmaine Peters, Farm Director at Arden
Are you tired of eating processed food that’s been sitting on grocery store shelves for days or even weeks? Do you want to make a positive impact on the environment and your health? If so, it may be time to consider switching to a farm-to-table lifestyle.
Farm-to-table living involves sourcing your food directly from local farmers and producers, rather than relying on big chain grocery stores and packaged food that takes weeks to reach your home.
There are so many benefits to transitioning to a farm-to-table lifestyle. Here are four that I hope will help you make the switch:
- Reducing Your Carbon Footprint and Preserving the Planet
Eating farm-to-table is great for the environment and for reducing your carbon footprint. The average food item can travel close to 1,500 miles before being consumed. Between the trucks and trains shipping your food cross-country to your drive home from the grocery store, the produce you eat has a much larger negative environmental impact than you might think. Locally grown produce has a much smaller carbon footprint. By purchasing directly from the farmer, you are also helping to protect their farmland and keeping rural areas alive for growing seasons to come.
- Farm-To-Table Living is Healthy Living
If you’re going to make the switch to farm-to-table eating, do it for you! Locally sourced food is often more nutritious than produce you find in your neighborhood grocery store. To prevent produce from going bad in transit to grocery stores, fruits and vegetables are picked before they are completely ripe and nutrient rich, so that they can be ripe and fresh for consumers all year long. When you buy directly from farmers and producers, you are getting the freshest version of that food with the most nutrients to keep your body fueled and healthy. Eating more fruits and vegetables can help reduce chronic fatigue and keep your energy levels high all day.
- Supporting Local Businesses in South Florida
The farm-to-table movement is a great way to support local businesses in South Florida, especially local farms, farmers markets, and shops. Palm Beach County has plenty of options to get locally sourced produce and now is the best time to find your favorite place to frequent this summer. It will also give you a chance to meet local farmers and learn how they grow your food. Check out this blog for a list of farmer’s markets in the Wellington area.
- Creating More Variety In Your Diet
If you think that farm-to-table eating restricts your menu, think again! Seasonal varieties of fruits and vegetables keeps your plate interesting year-round. Out-of-season produce increases your carbon footprint, but sticking to in-season fruits and vegetables is not only a great lesson in how to expand your palette, but also in learning how to make the most of the freshest ingredients in your growing zone.
Farm-to-table living is a great and accessible way to make an impact in your community and in your own life. This summer is the perfect time to get started and see the difference!
