We all know what it’s like shopping at crowded grocery stores. People bustling through the aisles, produce shipped from who knows where, and natural products are few and far between.

Consider buying local if you’re tired of that scene and the prices that come with natural products.

Before you turn your nose up or give me some hardcore eye rolls, hear me out! 

A visit to the local farmers markets is typically viewed as a unique foodie adventure and has a bad rep for being a “rich” way to shop for organic produce. However, there is so much more to buying local!

If you’re looking to get healthier food on your table, cut costs, and give back to the community, buying local might be your thing! If you wonder why buying local matters, let’s take a look at the benefits it can bring to your life and your community.

Why Buying Local Matters to Utah

Think that buying local is just a hipster trend? Think again! 

Below are benefits everyone should understand when it comes to buying local and the impact it has on individuals, the community, and the earth:

Buying Local Helps Connect With The Community

Whether it’s getting a new recipe or gardening tip from a local vendor or passing through to meet other locals, your time at a Utah farmers market is a great way to connect with members of the local community.

With every conversation, you hear amazing stories, make meaningful connections and gain helpful insights. Next time you visit, buy a local donut and sit down to enjoy some new friends!

Buying Local Helps Save Cash

Farmers markets are viewed as a “rich person’s” way to buy organic produce. This is a stereotype we need to set straight!

According to this study by NOFA, comparisons of conventionally raised produce—on average—are priced the same at supermarkets and farmers markets alike. As for organic products? Turns out local farmers markets are actually cheaper (again, on average) than at the grocery store.

In grocery stores, sometimes it will say that the produce is “organic” and “local.” But if you look a little closer at where it actually comes from, there are still processes made to preserve produce look so it can travel more distance and remain looking fresh. Some hike up prices because of the label. Sometimes, when it says, “local,” it can actually be grown from around 100-200 miles away from the store it is being sold in.

Sad, right?

Take advantage of this new found knowledge and find ways you can save money by buying local produce! You can save some serious cash knowing this tidbit.

Buying Local Helps Local Farmers and Startups

Simply put, when you buy local, it stays local!

The money you invest into the local farmers markets directly impacts your local community. This creates jobs and improves the local economy. You help pay local business owners and farmers bills by buying their products.

It is a huge deal to buy locally for this reason alone.

On top of supporting local farmers, most start-ups without a brick and mortar use markets to spread the word about their business. This is a fun way to find local shops while supporting their growth!

Buying Local Improves Your Food Quality

A lot of the time, the food at the farmers’ market comes picked within the week! 

Talk about your food being super fresh compared to the store bought food! 

What this means for you is that your produce has all the vitamins and minerals that it’s supposed to have. With time, produce loses its nutritional value. By cutting down travel time, you get healthier food choices. By buying local, you are getting produce at the peak of freshness with all of the nutrients.

Buying Local Gives You Unique Options

A trip to a farmers market gives you unique produce options you might not have known existed! Grocery stores typically only carry “popular” food options. So you are cutting yourself short when it comes to food exploration.

If you want to add some spice and local flair to your dinner table, consider adding new locally grown items. Broaden your horizons!

Buying Local Gives You Confidence

We live in a world where it seems like there are bad things happening all around. Buying local gives you confidence in “knowing” what you are putting on your tables.

Whether it is knowing how your food was produced or what types of pesticides or herbicides are being used on your produce, you are in the driver’s seat. By buying local, you are connected to your food allowing for more informed choices about your health. 

Buying Local Is Earth-Friendly

According to scientists in 2010, around eight million tons of plastic trash ends up in the ocean. Sad!

What’s even more sad about that number is that it’s expected to increase ten-fold over the next decade! So, how can you help? Reduce your plastic use and buy local.

Grocery stores use plastic packaging and bags. Local farmers markets use limited packaging and require you to bring reusable bags! Choose to shop local, ditch plastic, and join the #CrushPlastic movement.

Buy Utah, Buy Local, Be Better

Simply put, buying local here in Utah matters. 

Hopefully this article helped you see that you can make a difference in big ways! Choose to purchase local products. This is supports your local economy, and helps you engage with your community. In addition, it will improve your health and help you do your part to protect the environment. 

If you make weekly purchases from local food markets, your money and support can go a long way toward strengthening the world around you! If you want some suggestions on where to go? Reach out to me. I’d be happy to chat about great products and markets!

What do you think? How has buying local helped improve your life? Do you believe it can help the world, your life and your community? Share below!