Think Globally, Eat Locally!

Annie and I have been waiting for this for months, and finally, on June 15th, the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op is coming to Elk Grove. I was so very pleasantly surprised when I found out that the SNFC chose Elk Grove for a second location. Suburbs like ours have a great need for access to fresh, local, organically-grown food. The SNFC works closely with small, local, family-owned farms to fill that need for our community, and I can't wait to start enjoying the benefits: fruits and vegetables grown in their natural season without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers; dairy, eggs, and meat from ranches that treat animals with the dignity and respect they deserve; household products that contain only earth-derived ingredients so as to not pollute our home or our environment; and being able to reward the people and companies who provide these products and services.

Wherever you live, your small, local farms are (literally) the lifeblood of your community. This time of year brings farmer's markets to many communities in our country. Consider visiting one if you don't already. They are a fun and easy way to connect with the people who grow food for you! If you have a co-op in or near your town, lucky you! Visit it often for the benefits I described above. And if the cashier has green hair, try not to think about it. He/she still shares the same values as you do (as far as where his/her food comes from anyway).

LocalHarvest.org is a fantastic resource for finding farmer's markets, co-ops, and farms in your area and ways to connect with them. You can even search by product and find many things in addition to fruits and veggies. Find locally-harvested honey, organic flowers, natural wreaths for the holidays, herbs, nuts, coffee, tea, even soap. You can even find restaurants! Happy eating!