Eat Local First

Local food is fresher. Instead of traveling an average of 1,500 miles (like most food in the US), food grown and raised closer to home takes less time to transport and spends less time in storage. Eating at restaurants or buying groceries that are sourced locally brings you a step closer to fresh. Since fresher food tastes better, you're sure to enjoy a delicious culinary experience.

What could be more vital to our health than the food we eat? When we are connected to our food and where it comes from, it's easier to know what went into that food, and choose whether we want it in us.

Choosing local food means you're investing in your community.Every dollar spent at a locally owned business recirculates at least 3 times more than at non-local businesses. This creates steadier revenue, more employment and a healthy tax base for our communities.

Every dollar you spend is an investment in something. If you'd like more local food choices that nurture our local economy, here are a few things you can do:

1. Read the Labels: Find out where the stuff you're buying comes from and seek out local products, knowing your dollar will have a deeper impact.
2. Visit Farmers' Markets: One of the best ways to find the freshest food in season, you also have the unique opportunity to meet the people who grew and raised your food.
3. Join a CSA: Community Supported Agriculture creates a close relationship between you and your farmer and allows farmers to choose what to grow with less debt burden.
4. Grow Your Own: Encourage more edible plants to flourish in your yard, patio or window sill and enjoy the deliciousness of a sun warmed tomato from your own home.
5. Ask Restaurants Where They Source Their Food: This strengthens the connections between growers and retailers, and helps business owners know what you want.

Neighborhood Supported Agriculture, or NSAs, organize neighbors to grow and share their own food. Here are some Denver organizations that facilitate this process:

• South Metro Urban Farmers
• Heirloom Gardens (Northwest)
• UrbiCulture Farms (Multi-plot)

Community Supported Agriculture, or CSAs, allow individuals to buy a share in a local farm at the beginning of the season, and then receive a portion of the bounty as it grows. CSA members are directly invested in the success of the farm and learn how to eat local food in season.

• Grant Family Farms

Visit a nearby farmers' market to purchase fresh food directly from the people who grew it. Not only will you have 10 times as many conversations at a farmers' market than a traditional store, but you'll also put more $ into the pockets of the farmers themselves.

Farmers' Markets aren't just for fresh fruits and vegetables—also pick up locally sourced honey, seedlings, and packaged food products or handmade unique goods from local vendors.
Here's a very short list of area Farmers' Markets in the Denver Metro area. You can find more online in the state directory.