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10 Reasons to Buy Local Nebraska Food

Image of tomatoes.
  1. Local foods taste better - Produce in the supermarket normally has spent days on the road or in cold storage; however, at a farmers market it has been picked within 24 hours of your purchase. Buying at a farmers market means produce have been allowed to ripen to its peak flavor when you buy it.
  2. Stay in touch with the seasons - Enjoying seasonally ripened foods allows YOU to reap the benefits of fruits and vegetables at their peak tastes and for a fraction of the cost.
  3. It's an experience - Buying local gives YOUR family the opportunity for a unique experience. Whether you go to a farmers market or even to the farm itself you get the chance to meet and find out where your food is grown. There is also the sweet treat of a chance for a free taste test!
  4. Inspires YOU - Once you have the taste for local foods you will want to try your hand at your own garden. Or the farmers market will inspire you to plan a meal around a great find that day.
  5. Reduces YOUR carbon footprint - On average food travels 1,500 miles from the farm to your plate. Most fruits and vegetables are shipped into Nebraska from California and Florida. Buying locally you know where your food is coming from while also helping the environment.
  6. Keeps producers local - By buying local foods, you are assisting the preservation of YOUR community and the local farmers in it.
  7. Supports Nebraska economies - The profits gained by local farmers then circulate back into the community. On average, for every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $45 goes back into the community. However, for every $100 spent at a non-local business, only $14 goes back into the community. Currently, four of the ten lowest-income counties in the nation are located in Nebraska. By buying locally we provide a local stimulus package that is entirely earmarked for the surrounding economy.
  8. Supports Nebraska's families - From 1997 to 2002, Nebraska lost more than 5,000 family farms. Buying local aids in establishing recently started Nebraskan farmers as a viable source of local food. This helps the community grow and preserves the farming heritage for future generations.
  9. Supports community groups - Non-profits receive approximately 350% more support from local businesses than they do from non-local businesses. This means that the local athletic teams, local FFA chapter and local scout programs may receive more donations, simply because YOU buy local and the local producers care about your community.
  10. Easier than ever - Find a Nebraska farmer, farmers' market, CSA, or other retailer near you visit Buy Fresh, Buy Local.