By Chef Rachel Albert

Do you know where your food comes from? Do you know who grew it? When it was picked? How long it’s been sitting in a cooler case or how many miles it traveled to reach your table?

It’s not just about the environment, it’s also about your health and enjoyment. Fresher foods grown close to home and eaten at the peak of ripeness taste better.

Meat from animals raised outdoors on pasture contain more vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and cancer protective compounds and reduces the risk of food borne illness.

Buying more local food reduces fossil fuel use, supports small farmers who would otherwise be edged out of business by huge agribusinesses, keeps more money in our local economy and reduces air and water pollution.  It can reduce your food bills and many people find that locally grown produce lasts longer because it’s fresher.

Where do you find local food? Visit your local farmers markets where you’ll find an enticing array of vineripened fresh fruits and veggies, raw honey, herbed goat cheese, locally grown eggs, and many hand-made goodies prepared by people in your community.