Food Security

Here's a fun little animation video about food security in Japan, found Treehugger. "While the stats are specific to Japan, the concepts are universal."

Tower Grove

Hello avid readers! I know you must have been wilting away while I was on hiatus. Never fear for I have returned! Better yet, I'll be here for another year. Aren't you lucky.

SO, have you been to Local Harvest Grocery? It is a tiny little shop in the Tower Grove South Area on Morganford. I make an effort to not buy eggs unless I'm in the area for some Local Harvest eggs. They have so much more flavor, and they are from local farmers. They carry a range of locally grown and produced foods, including food from the urban farms like City Seeds. All of their local products are labeled with a green tag. Their other products are "wholesome and healthful foods that are produced in organic and sustainable methods." They recently opened a cafe down the street. I cannot rate it for you yet because I still haven't eaten there, but I look forward to it!

The Tower Grove Farmers' Market is located next to the kiddy pool fountain in the middle of Tower Grove Park. It's great because all of the vendors are local businesses. It is smaller and has less variety than Soulard, but at Soulard you can't tell where the food is coming from. If I remember correctly it isn't even labeled by farm. Extra double plus bonus is if you are buying from vendors here or at Local Harvest, you are getting food that is in season.

Eckert's Pick-Your-Own

I'm reluctant to post this, because I don't want people stealing my berries. But Eckert's family farm in Belville, IL is open for strawberry picking season this week, so get there if you want some fresh strawberries straight from the bush. Be sure to check before driving out to make sure they have strawberries still available. If you miss the strawberries, peaches are coming at the end of the month.

Plenty

In the book Plenty Alisa Smith and J.B. Mackinnion chronicle their journey of one year eating the 100-mile diet. The book's website has a "getting started guide" to help you start the local food challenge. Eating locally isn't necessarily "better" for the environment. There are many factors that go into the environmental footprints that your food makes. The production methods, processing, travel and method of travel, etc. It is true that often local food is more environmentally friendly and sustainable for several reasons:

Small farmers often focus on producing food organically and chemically free even if they don't pay for the organic label.

Food travels less distance to get to you. Keep in mind the distances a farmer might travel delivering food all over a county or the distance you may drive to get from the farmer market to the grocery store, etc.

Eating locally usually requires eating seasonally, which prevents extra food miles, and harsh preservation methods such as freezing.

When purchasing food from local producers it is easier to get in contact with them and learn about their methods of production first hand. Don't expect better standards automatically from local producers, always ask. Farmers that are proud of their work will be happy to talk to you about it.