8 Reasons Why Buying Local Makes a Difference

by | Jun 16, 2023 | News, Uncategorized, Vendor Verification

When you buy local, you make a difference. 

Everyone makes choices about what they buy and who they buy from. Many people shop the farmers’ market as a way to support local – local farms, small local businesses, and emerging artisans in our community.

Here are 8 reasons why buying local matters.     

  1. Family first
    Many businesses that sell in farmers’ market are family run businesses or farms. Producing food is a way of life and is often a family affair. Purchasing locally grown or made products help local farmers, food producers and artisans be profitable and carry on or create family traditions. 

  1. Good for the environment
    Food and other products that travel shorter distances can be more environmentally friendly and sustainable than products that travel halfway around the globe.

  2. Good for your health and more flavour
    Fruits and vegetables start to lose nutrients within 24 hours of being picked, so fresher, local produce is often more nutritious. Local food is often more fresh and as a result, tastes better.

  1. Be social
    When you visit a farmers’ market, it is a social experience. You meet and talk with farmers, artists, food producers, and other market shoppers. You can run into neighbours, colleagues and old friends.

  2. Peace of mind
    Many people gain comfort knowing exactly where their food comes from, how it was grown, raised or made, and the family or people responsible.

  3. Protects rural Alberta farmland
    Local meats, grains and produce requires local farmland. When these farms thrive, the land they are on is more likely to remain agricultural and less likely to be developed for industrial use.

  4. Keep your money in your community
    When you spend money on locally grown food, it keeps your money in your community and province. When you buy products at a farmers’ market, you are supporting local businesses, our community and our economy.

  5. It feels good to buy local.
    When you buy from businesses in our community and province, it simply feels good to help local farmers, entrepreneurs and artists pursue their passion and their dream.