This is basically defined as someone who only eats locally, or at least attempts to make local food a larger part of their diet.
Locavor(ism?) is then leading to a rise in CSA's (Community Supported Agriculture).This is a symbiotic relationship where citizens pay a share to a farm. This supports that farmer in all their production costs. In return, the shareholder receives a box of fresh produce every week. All CSA's work a little differently but this is the basic formula.
There are many reasons behind joining the locavore lifestyle through a CSA. I will briefly summarize a few:
1. Economic Reasons
When you eat locally, the money spent on food goes right back the the farmer who grew it. This supports local economy. Statistics show that when buying locally, the farmer gets approximately 90% of the dollar rather than the normal 20% (eco-wisdom.com) Eating locally supports the community.
2. Health Reasons
Local produce is usually within 10-100 miles of your home. Therefore the distance your food travels to your table is very short. This greatly minimizes the chances for the food to be exposed to foreign bacteria or disease before it gets to your kitchen table. Many of the food epidemics that have occurred the past few years could have been avoided through local eating. Eating locally is safe.
3. Environmental Reasons
Through my research I have found that this point is actually pretty controversial. There is an idea of "food miles" that is calculated by how many miles your food traveled before it reached your dinner table. If you buy imports from around the world you can see how these miles would collect to huge numbers. This is theorized to cause immense air pollution, use resources, etc. for all those bad things we do to the environment. While this is true, other studies show that even cutting out these miles doesn't make a huge difference. It is proven if you want to help the environment by your eat habits, go veggie. But in my opinion: Any small act helps.
4. Building Community
Buying locally usually leads to meeting the people growing your food. You also form a bond with other CSA members. Everyone who eats locally by joining a CSA is invested in the same plot of land. Forming a relationship with farmers and shareholders ties everyone together for a common cause. Eating locally creates support for the farmers.
5. Fresshhh
Local food is fresh! You as the buyer, know exactly where it came from. Local food is commonly picked within 24 hours before it is sold. This means that the produce has had a full life span on the vine or tree to ripen. As a result, it will be packed with more flavor and all the vitamins and minerals that fresh food has to offer! Local food is healthiest and tastiest!
There are more reasons out there in favor of CSA's and local eating. One of the best ways to achieve eating locally on a regular basis is by joining a CSA. I am dedicated to living a healthy lifestyle and this is why I think the CSA movement is so great! In such a globalized planet, it is refreshing to move back to community and the roots of nature.
Become a Locavore!
Eat Well!
