In food circles it’s called sustainable agriculture, or producing
food with enough care for the earth in a way that can be sustained
over time. We find that the best food comes from small farms run
by families. A lot of people would like to support small farmers
but don’t know where to start. Here are a few thoughts.
Decide the extra money is worth it. Food that’s raised sustainably,
grown organically or produced locally often
costs more than food you find in the grocery store. Understand that
the food produced
in this way is healthier for us and for
the planet. What could be a better investment?
Subscribe. Join a CSA, or community shared agriculture, which is
essentially a farm subscription. Pay once at the beginning of the
season and get fresh vegetables all season long.
Shop the farmers market. Farmers markets have exploded in recent
years as more people become aware of the value of good taste and
health-giving food.
Be inquisitive. When you go to a restaurant, ask which of their
ingredients are from your area. In many cases,
the staff won’t
know. But when more patrons ask about the source of the food, owners
realize it’s important and start to pay more attention. Do
the same in your grocery store.
Join up. Membership organizations like Slow Food and the Oldways
Preservation & Exchange Trust sponsor activities that promote
local foods.
Pick your own. Put the kids in the car and drive to the nearest
farm that lets you pick your own apples,
blueberries or corn. It makes for a fun afternoon and fosters respect
for the work that goes
into what’s put on the table.
Chicago’s Green City Market
Chicago’s Green City Market is the only farmers market in the
city that focuses on sustainability. While the definition of sustainability
is always evolving, my own focuses on food that’s raised with
care for the earth, making it healthy and
life affirming for those of use who eat it.
chicagogreencitymarket.org
Sustainable agriculture resources
Earth-Friendly
Farming