It’s hard to argue with the fact that there are many benefits to shopping locally and buying products directly from the producer. However, it can be an overwhelming switch to make, especially in our fast paced culture and age of information overload. The first steps are to figure out what product you want to buy and a farm to source them. This is by no means a comprehensive guide to buying straight off the farm; more like a conversation to help get you thinking about how to figure out what is available and how it might fit into your lifestyle.
Start at the Grocery Store and Restaurant
Often grocery stores have a natural food section and offer food grown/products sourced locally. Restaurants that have menus featuring farm raised ingredients are becoming more common. Patroning these types of establishments are a great way to support the farms and artisans in the community. You can also take it a step farther; pay attention to where the products originate and then you can make your next purchase directly from the producer.
Keywords for a Google Search
It seems flip to tell you to Google it, but it really is a great source of information. If you’re anything like me though, I have a hard time staying on task when I sit down to Google with a purpose. There are so many rabbit trails to go down! The first tip is to start with the product you are looking for; for example “grass finished beef” or “seasonal organic vegetables.” Next, add in the location. Start small at first, “Ridgefield, WA” and if you don’t find what you are looking for, expand farther out. “Clark County WA” or “Portland Metro Area.”
Farmer’s Market
Farmer’s Markets are a great place to experience the best produce and hand made products in the region. There’s usually a wide variety, especially at a larger market. It is also a great way to meet your farmer in person, putting a face and personality to the product.
Farmer’s Market From Home
If you can’t make it to a Farmer’s Market in person, check out the website and social media accounts of your local market. At minimum they will have a list of vendors, but more than likely they will have information and contact info in their promotional material. Also, a lot of Farmer’s Markets will highlight their vendors on social media as well. Then, if you choose to, you can follow the vendor on social media to gain even more insight into the story behind the product.
Farm to Table Groups
Facebook community groups are another good way to search for locally produced commodities. Join your community’s Facebook group and search for the product you are trying to find. Also search for a local Farm to Table Group. Each of our surrounding counties has one. Farmers will post ads for what they are trying to sell. You can also write your own post inquiring about a specific product or information. If you don’t have one in your area, you could start one and contribute a great service to your community.
Let me know in the comments if you have any tips to share. If you try any of these ideas, please let me know how in works out!
Just for fun, check out these other posts related to the word “start.”
How to Start a Life Worth Living by Lori Shoaf
https://www.dirttrailjunkies.org/inspiring-stories/how-to-start-a-life-worth-living
Is Life Hard? Then Start Afresh in Jesus by Lisa Granger
https://lisamarcelina.net/is-life-hard-then-start-afresh-in-jesus/
Getting Hung Up from Starting Something by Dianne Vielhuber
https://simplewordsoffaith.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=10845&action=edit
Starting Over as an Evacuee by Ashley Olivine
https://www.ashleyolivine.com/starting-over-as-an-evacuee/
