How to Source Good Food - if you don’t live on a farm

When we eat locally and seasonally, our health benefits. If you are looking to go the distance with your health, you’ll want to support local farmers and get the best quality food you can find/afford. That being said, I would rather people eat animal-based (eggs, meat & organs from any animal, bones for broth, butter, etc.) from anywhere they can get it than to worry about shopping locally. Do what feels the least stressful in sourcing your food. 

One of the best ways I have found to meet local farmers is by visiting my local Farmer’s Markets. You can also search the internet which is a convenient way to find holistic farmers in your area. However, when you visit a Farmer’s Market you get to meet the people associated with that farm. Learn about those farms - go check them out if you are able. 

A good butcher is always nice. I eat a lot of fat and getting beef fat trimmings from a butcher is cheap (sometimes they will give it to you!). A fish market is a super find as well. You don’t need fancy, just fresh and affordable. 

Many communities offer a CSA - Community Supported Agriculture - with delivery to a local Church or community center. You can purchase a membership to the CSA and pick-up your food at the drop location. We participated in a CSA program for a while and it was fun to experiment with different produce. As an animal-based eater, I just don’t need that much produce anymore, but this was a great option for family meals when the kids were younger. The freshest eggs and best strawberries I have ever had came from that CSA program. 

If you live in a “food desert” area - where there are limited to no food stores or farms, maybe you can look for spots to create a community garden. Gardening not your thing? Not able to keep chickens, pigs or cows at the local garden? Perhaps you can order direct from farms or venture to the closest food store and stock up on frozen meat, whole fruit and veg. I know getting good food is a concern in many of our communities here in the U.S. which is why I support local charities trying to help. There has got to be a way to connect people to good food. If you are able, look for charities in your area that help with food insecurity and/or supplying healthy food to those that struggle to source it. They need volunteers, contributions and sometimes fresh ideas. 

Of course I prefer holistic/regenerative farming practices. Happy, healthy farms make happy & healthy food. My favorite farm is White Oak Pastures in GA. I’m learning more about the farms in my new home of Florida and certainly finding the spots to get fresh fish, but I still order some things from White Oak. I also get fresh meat and veg from my local grocery store. If you can find/afford grass-fed, pastured and local brands - buy that. If you can’t, just eat the freshest whole-foods you can find.