Eating more local produce benefits everyone, as you’re fuelling local economies and supporting small businesses. There is also the added benefit of it being better for your health, providing more nutrient density as they’re fresher, as well as using fewer preservatives. Plus, it helps the environment, as there is less transportation involved, less preservatives needed and less unneeded packaging. So, if you’re wanting to find out some simple ways to eat more local produce, we’re here with 4 great examples.
Get local milk deliveries
One of the best ways to eat more local produce is to get local milk deliveries. Not only does this save you time and hassle as you can order as much milk as you need straight to your door, but it’s also much better for the environment, with shorter transport journeys and less single use plastic, as the milk is delivered in glass bottles.
Companies like McQueens Dairies make this easier than ever. They have local depots situated all over the UK and work with local farms before delivering to your door. This means fresher milk for you, support for your local farms, and an easier life for you!
Go to local grocers for fruit & veg
When fruit and veg is imported from overseas, often it is picked earlier than when it’s ripe and preservatives are used to help it last the journey and to give it shelf life. However, when you get your fruit and veg from local grocers, it will be much fresher, usually won’t have any preservatives, and it will taste so much better.
Again, it’s also way better for the environment as there isn’t as much transportation involved, and you cut out a lot of unnecessary plastic packaging which often comes with supermarket fruit and veg. Seasonal fruit and veg is so much fresher and it helps you to be adventurous with your meals.
Choose local butchers
Another way to eat more local produce is to ditch supermarket meat and head to the butchers. Whilst it may be slightly more expensive, butchers meat is superior, fresher and also more responsibly sourced. If you just go into a butcher and ask where some of their meat is sourced from, more often than not they’ll know the farmer by name, where the farm is and the set up there. You’re much more likely to find grass-fed and free-range meat in a butcher’s shop, and they can tailor the meat to your needs and provide great advice. Just go in and have a chat with a local butcher and pick up a few bits, and you’ll soon see how much of a difference local knowledge makes.
Shop at farmers markets
Aside from your weekly shopping, a wonderful way to support local businesses and produce is to shop at farmers markets. Find out when your next local market is on and head down to find everything from delicious home baked goods through to fresh fruit and veg, flowers and also often gifting! This is such a lovely way to spend the weekend with friends and family, support local businesses and eat lots of delicious foods.
Find restaurants that support local businesses
Lastly, when you’re eating out, you should look for local restaurants who use local suppliers. You could ask your fruit and veg shop or butcher if they supply any restaurants as a good place to start! This supports the whole journey with not just fuelling one considerate business, but a whole chain of them who are all supporting one another. There are also plenty of guides online to help you find the local restaurants!