Source Your Food Locally

At the end of last year, I really reached a tipping point in my tolerance for grocery shopping. I'm going to make a semi-political statement here and say, that I find it unjust that small businesses have been shut down during the pandemic while Target, Walmart, Costco, and all other corporate-owned stores have remained open and seen a huge surge in sales.

I am striving to make my purchases from more and more small local businesses. And food can be one of them.

Another reason for choosing local farms is information I've known for a long time and just cannot ignore any longer. Hold tight, this may be hard for you to read.

Eating meat from the grocery store, means that it is coming from over-crowded, jam-packed feedlots and cages where animals may never see the light of day and are fed corn, soy, and other grains that are cheap and not part of their natural diet. Many are medicated so they will survive to reach slaughter weight.

Aside from the fact that it is impossible to raise healthy animals in such an environment, the improper development and inflammation these animals experience is transferred to the meat we end up consuming. Meat from these animals tends to be higher in fats that are inflammatory to the human body, and toxicity from the poor living conditions. Not to mention exposure to hormones and antibiotics given to these animals throughout their lifespan.

Eating organic meat is certainly a step up, but it still doesn't mean that the animals are being given adequate time outdoors or fed a diet other than organic corn and soy.

As for grocery store produce, we've all tasted the difference between vegetables grown in a local garden and allowed to reach full ripeness before harvesting and those sitting for days in eery perfection in the produce aisle. I choose to eat only organic fruits and vegetables to decrease my exposure to pesticides. Even better to eat organic produce from a local farmer I know who harvested everything that week.

This has led me to the conclusion that the effort involved in sourcing my own food locally, is well worth the investment and time and perhaps a little more driving on weekends.

If you'd like to join me in a new adventure this year, here are the farms that I like and have been following in my area to get you started!

Left Bank Butchery

Butcher shop in Saxpahaw, NC sourcing only grass-raised, pasture-finished beef and free-range pork. Ordering is available through their website with scheduled days to pickup from the shop. And check out their options for St. Patricks Day!

Patience Farm and Butcher Shop

Owned by a young couple who raise all their own pork and beef, and have options for purchasing boxes with free delivery from their Siler City location.

Grass Grazed

After Derrick left the military, he decided to start a farm with the purchase of 25 chickens. Now he and his wife, along with their five children, are raising pasture-raised Chicken, Pork, Beef, and Turkey. Orders can be placed through their website and shipped to your door.

Dawnbreaker Farms

A 20-acre farm in Orange County, NC, raising 100% pastured chickens, ducks, pork, and turkey. Available for purchase at the Carrboro Farmer's Market, or through the Farm to Fork Meat Riot CSA in Raleigh, NC.

Farm to Fork Meat Riot CSA

Sourcing the cleanest meats and produce from around the state, membership fees are steep, but variety is high. This CSA started by Niti Bali, takes a strong stand for the value of eating the highest quality foods available. With membership, orders and fresh options are available weekly for pickup from their store on Atlantic Ave. in Raleigh, NC.

Nourishing Acres

This farm is certified organic and owned by the sweetest family. I've fallen in love with the variety of their produce. Orders can be placed through their website for pickup at the farm in Cedar Grove, or at the Carrboro Farmer's Market, or South Durham Farmers Market, and they have a weekly Veggie Share option in 2 sizes that includes a variety of seasonal vegetables.

I know I just threw a lot of information at you all at once. Start with what feels manageable.

It may be you start visiting your own local farmers market to see what's available.

It may be you check out the farms I linked above and place an order for a few items to try.

It may be that you need the convenience of the grocery store, but you start purchasing a few more organic items.

Every step is to be celebrated. We are all learning together.