Let your tastebuds do the buying this holiday season
Eating Local Means Eating Better
I know most of you have heard about the importance of eating (and shopping) local. It’s better for your health. It keeps more money in the local economy. It strengthens community because you know the people who are growing your food. It supports farms and improves soil health. It’s better for the environment (reducing food miles and carbon footprint). All of this is true. But what it really comes down to – and a big reason why it matters to us – is because it actually tastes better!
For that fact alone – because it tastes better – if it’s within our financial budget (or close to), it’s truly the easiest thing we can do as consumers to create a more sustainable world. Sure, some people will say that not all local food tastes better, and even come up with a few examples to base those opinions on such as, “Just look at a Big Mac from McDonald’s,”…or “the non-local kimchi you get at Price Chopper is amazing,” or “Dunkin’ Donuts has the best donuts.”
That’s where I say, “Have you devoured a 400 Burger from ArtsRiot? Have you forked through a jar of Pitchfork Farm’s Full Send Kimchi because you don’t need it with anything else? Have you ever dunked with a Miss Weirnerz doughnut?
So here’s my “Localvore Challenge” to you this holiday season. The next time you think about dining out or buying gift cards for the holiday season, think about frequenting locally-owned restaurants that source their ingredients locally and regionally whenever possible. Maybe even try something new!
Once you find something you love, why not take advantage of a purchase that’s also helping to create a better world to live in. Because local food is better for you, better for your community, and better for the planet we call home. And, that’s what makes it taste even better than simply what your taste buds can register!
In the end, “At its heart, eating local means celebrating the fact that the best flavors are from home.”
- Dan White is co-founder of Localvore.co and the Localvore Passport app. Localvore’s mission is to build healthy and happy communities through a shared love for sustainable shopping and dining via a social platform (Localvore Passport) that allows people to explore, support, and connect with like-minded businesses.
To find local restaurants sourcing from local farms and food producers, check out the Localvore Passport app. Download the app in the iOS or Google Play store and take advantage of our $60 annual pass sale going on now for a full year of discovering and eating local. To learn more visit our website at: https://www.localvorepassport.com/about/.
