Rediscovering Local
The hidden local food network
by Chandlyr Jackson and Tyler Nelson
Timing is everything, and now seems the perfect time to add to the ongoing conversation about local food. It is no secret that the ball is already rolling; we are in the midst of a food revolution, fighting to repair the disconnect between ourselves and the food we are consuming every day. This movement is the result of a generational shift that celebrates the fact that“ farm to table” is no longer a stranger at our dinner table. The quest to rediscover the origins of real food, has generated a new growth and societal awakening in our food culture. A shared meal with family and friends is still the main ingredient for cherished memories.
Timing is also one of the biggest influences on what, where, and how we choose to eat our everyday meals. Lack of time often leads us to resort to fast food options or microwave dishes. We realize that it takes initiative to focus on shopping local, but it is worthwhile to make the effort in the long run. The MA Dept. of Agriculture website, www. mass. gov / agr / massgrown is a great starting point to find local farm stands, markets and other resources nearby. Just put your zip code in the massgrown map and you can see what local food is available near your home or work. Finding dinner ingredients at a local farm stand provides an opportunity to have a conversation with the farmer responsible for producing your food, which builds the bond you hold with your food and community. It also allows us to start cooking with better tasting ingredients that are more nutritious than those being shipped across the country, or even across the world.
Finding time to plan and prepare a home cooked meal can sometimes be unrealistic, but luckily the opportunities to support local food do not begin and end at the farm stand. There are alternative options such as restaurants, food trucks, events, food banks, retail outlets and market places where local food is available. Being passionate about responsibly sourced and grown food is all that we need to support this movement. Whether you love to cook, grow, or just plain eat, there is a way to be involved. One thing you can count on when you find these local places is that you are likely to have a good meal, because these small businesses are committed to fresh local food. The owners and teams are a direct representation of the brand, creating a refreshing and genuine experience for customers.
14 GROW! BOSTON