Kathleen Castrejon
Contributing Writer
The time for apple picking is here! As the season rolls in and the warm weather begins to say it’s final goodbyes, we get the lovely opportunity to go to orchards, pumpkin patches and more.
However, one thing we don’t
realize when purchasing apples from an orchard is that you are shopping local.
Through supermarkets we have been provided with easy accessibility of a variety of foods, but by going to these orchards or pumpkin patches and consuming the produce there, you are being a local consumer and providing support to local businesses.
What does it mean to consume locally?
It means that you are purchasing foods that are produced, processed and distributed within your region
of purchase.
What’s the benefit?
The connection
By shopping locally, you are not only supporting the local economy, but you are able to connect with the farmer and the people that took their time to grow these crops. Often times when we walk into a grocery store and we only connect with people who are receiving the food or stocking it, but we don’t realize that this has been a long process for farmers.
It’s cheaper
You can save more money by shopping local due to the better prices because there is no traveling done other than you going to the farm
or orchard.
Fresh
Because you are purchasing from the source, you can be sure you’re getting the best value and quality of the food because you are seeing it. You can also buy in bulk and freeze your produce, the quality of the food will be just as great and you will save money!
Healthy
The products are whole and healthy and usually, if stated, organic or free from pesticides.
Sustainable
What to consider when shopping locally?
Some businesses will label foods stating where the product came from and maybe their distance. If you really want to determine what local means for a product, then you could either ask the business what it means for them or, by knowing if the food is in season. If it is in season and can be grown near you, then yes the food is local. If it’s coming from another source, then it most likely is not local.
Not all fruits and vegetables may be available due to the fact that most
local farmers may grow crops that pertain to a specific geographical area or climate. This also means that it
would take more resources if they attempted to do otherwise, meaning more money spent.
Where can I shop locally
near DU?
The Oak Park and River Forest Farmers Market
This farmers market is only 10 min away and provides a variety of products for the local community at a lower price. I’d highly encourage any Dominican University student and staff to visit at least once. They not only have fresh fruits and vegetables, but also fresh apple cider, flowers,
live music, and delicious Donuts.
snsd@my.dom.edu