Confused by all the information regarding natural eating? You’re not alone!
When you are out at the Farmer’s Market, get to know your farmer. Ask pointed questions, find out if they have an open door policy (can you tour anytime), are they certified organic or do they go beyond organic (beyond organic is a philosophy that USDA organic isn’t enough). If you are a meat eater, find local farmers and arrange direct meat purchase (our plan is every 3 months because we have decent storage space). Some meats we find locally: tuna (which we can ourselves), bison, chicken, beef. Prices average $3.00-$4.00/lb, so this also encourages us to use less meat. For our family of 7 + 3 daycare kiddos, we have meat packaged in 1 lb sizes to ensure we don’t get meat crazy. 
You can probably find local eggs at the farmers market, this usually saves you money and supports small, local farms.
Here are some tips to help you navigate healthier, local eating.
If you are an iPhone user, download the GG application for a hands on tool to use at the market.
Sustainable Table provides a directory, just type in your zip code for listings local to you. When I entered my zip code and a 50 mile radius, I see: 1 ranch, 10 bakers, 4 co-ops, 73 farmers, 1 community garden, 1 CSA, 92 restaurants and much more!
Food and Water Watch provides news and information about our agriculture and water. There are links for great food and meal ideas. Want the scoop on seafood or why we should ditch bottled water? They’ve got it.
The USDA has a guide of local farmers markets. Simply enter the State and City you would like to locate markets in.
Eat Well. Be Well.
Photo Credit: Spring Vegetables by Muffet at Flickr under Creative Commons License.
Jamie Ervin
Being green comes naturally for Jamie, a Native Oregonian. Educated at Oregon State University she is now a UofO Ducks fan, but remains true to her Alma Mater, the Beavers. Jamie lives vicariously through her husband, a developer of shoes for little feet, who travels the world over and prays she doesn't blog about him. She is the mother to five children, aged 4-16 and a Registered Daycare Provider. Her long term goals include traveling Asia, completing her first novel, obtaining her Master's Degree in English Lit and Education, in addition, Jamie would love to start a natural household and body product line, or maybe just pour some (organic soy) candles. Visit Jamie's personal blog, Looks Good In Polka Dots where it's not just about mothering, gluten free cooking and socially conscious living.
One Response to How to Guide for Local, Sustainable, Safe Foods
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Just wondering if you could also list Palm Free items.
Many products list Palm Oil under the umbrella of Vegetable Oil. And in view of how Rain Forests are being destroyed and Orangutans killed and butchered to harvest this oil , I would rather buy Palm Oil Free.