The Source of Your Food Matters

Ever wondered about the journey your fruits and vegetables take before landing on your plate? It's not just about eating your greens; it's about knowing where they come from. Because where they come from can make quite a difference when it comes to your health.

Take kale, for example. Touted for a supremely healthy food, kale has many benefits, vitamins, and minerals. Yet, it consistently lands on the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Dirty Dozen list. Using data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA), this trusted resource is a highly informative (and disheartening) list that is released annually to highlight the fruits and vegetables most likely to be contaminated with harmful pesticide residues.  It helps consumers make more informed decisions, to know when buying organic is essential. We’re lucky to have this yearly list with the increasing use of synthetic pesticides and chemicals in conventional farming. But it is a shame that we need it. 

Our current food system has taken us far away from where our food comes from, and while the EWG's list is a valuable tool, it also raises the larger question: how can you ensure your food is safe? One of the most reliable ways is by knowing the source of your food. 

The Benefits of Knowing Your Farm

Now, I know what you're thinking – “Isn't organic enough?” Organic is surely an important benchmark for ensuring that foods do not have high amounts of harmful chemicals, but it is not without its downsides. Mass-market organic produce still needs to meet the bogus grocery-store standards of lasting on the shelves. So, all that our produce faces in this industrialized food system–being picked before peak ripeness, traveling long distances–still affects organic food. 

And, organic does not bring us closer to the source of our food. We can put trust in the USDA Certified Organic label, but we just don’t know exactly how that food was grown and what treatment it was exposed to.

When you buy local, you're not just getting food; you're getting a story. You can actually chat with the farmer who grew your carrots! It's like having a backstage pass to your own food supply.  

When you buy local, you're not just feeding yourself; you're feeding your community. You're helping your neighbor's farm thrive, keeping your local economy buzzing, and reducing those harmful food miles. 

Whether you’re buying directly from a farmers' market, participating in a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program, or getting your vegetables delivered, knowing the farm where your produce is grown has many benefits:

1. Fewer Chemicals
   Local farms, especially those certified organic, are more likely to use natural methods to cultivate their crops. These farms often avoid the heavy use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers that are common in large-scale, conventional farming, which reduces the risk of consuming harmful chemicals and makes the food you eat safer for you and your family.

2. Healthier Soil, Healthier Food
   Large-scale industrial farming practices often degrade the soil, stripping it of vital nutrients. Insufficient soil leads to a cycle of reliance on chemical fertilizers to maintain crop yields. Local and organic farms focus on nurturing the soil with composting and other sustainable practices. Healthy, nutrient-rich soil leads to healthier, more nutritious vegetables. Vegetables grown in well-tended soil are not only tastier but often contain higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

3. Transparency and Trust
   One of the most significant benefits of buying local produce is the ability to ask questions and build relationships with the farmers who grow your food. When you know your farm, you can inquire about their farming methods, soil health, and whether they use pesticides or fertilizers. This transparency is a powerful way to ensure you’re making informed decisions about what goes on your plate.

Know the Source of Your Food, Support Your Health

Today, it’s more important than ever to know where your food comes from. With concerns about pesticides, chemicals, and degraded soil quality, the choices we make at the grocery store or farmers’ market have a direct impact on our health. By understanding the risks highlighted by resources like the EWG’s Dirty Dozen and by supporting local farms, we can take control of our food supply and make healthier, more sustainable choices.

The source of your food matters. Knowing your farm, understanding their practices, and supporting local agriculture ensures that you’re not just consuming vegetables—you’re nourishing your body with safe, nutrient-dense food that’s grown with care. And that’s something worth investing in.

Area 2 Farms for Locals

Your food should be equally accessible and nutritious. Which is where we come in. We’re Area 2 Farms, we grow organic produce, deliver it to your door weekly, and operate all within 10 miles of you.