However, there are some myths about shopping locally.
Dr. P.K. Newby, nutrition scientist and author with more than 20 years of experience researching diet-related diseases, explains that these myths shouldn't deter you from continuing to visit your local market, but they are important to keep in mind.
- Myth: Eating local is the best thing you can do for the environment. Truth: Bottom line is that the best thing you can do is to eat less meat (of any kind).
- Myth: Local veggies and fruits are more nutritious. Truth: They might be more delicious, but not necessarily more nutritious. Frozen produce may even be more nutritious.
- Myth: Local food (seafood in particular) is more sustainable. Truth: There are many factors that go into sustainability. Try to eat low on the food chain to avoid contamination.
- Myth: Local food is safer. Truth: There is no conclusive data that farmers markets are safer, and local systems can lack the quality control of larger outfits with tighter regulations.
- Myth: Farmers' markets are cheaper. Truth: Although you can find terrific bargains, farmers market prices are generally comparable to or higher than other shopping spots.
You can also access Dr. Newby's article on the topic by clicking HERE.
Dr. P.K. Newby is a nutrition scientist and author with more than 20 years of experience researching diet-related diseases and teaching students about why what we eat matters, farm to fork. Dr. Newby is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Nutrition at Harvard and spends most of her time writing, speaking, cooking, and consulting to help build a healthier, more sustainable world. Her passion for nutrition stems from a life-long love affair with food, developed from creating fabulous dishes in her own kitchen and working in the restaurant industry for ten years.