Eat local & sustainable and help health & the world go round

   Tis the season for FARMERS MARKETS! Fresh produce is abound and getting it local and organic is the safest, most economical, most environmental and people friendly, and healthiest way around! While it may seem like it is costing a bit more (which used to be my excuse for not purchasing at the local markets), you are actually getting much more bang for your buck. The nutrients in privately grown crops are (usually) much more plentiful than the watered-down, pesticide ridden sort from the grocery store. Did you know: In the U.S., the average grocery store's produce travels nearly 1,500 miles between the farm where it was grown and your refrigerator. And, about 40% of our fruit is produced overseas. Read on for more produce info and when and where to find local markets in San Diego...





A few excellent reasons to shop locally and sustainably: "At its roots sustainable farming benefits the local community and local economy while supporting the environment by enriching the soil, protecting air and water quality, and minimizing energy consumption. Industrial food production is entirely dependent on fossil fuels, which, when refined and burned, create greenhouse gases that are significant contributors to climate change. The biggest part of fossil fuel use in industrial farming is not transporting food or fueling machinery; it's chemicals. As much as forty percent of the energy used in the food system goes towards the production of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.


By adding transportation, processing and packaging to the food system equation, the fossil fuel and energy use of our current food system puts tremendous stress on the environment. For example, between production and transportation, growing 10% more produce for local consumption in Iowa would result in an annual savings ranging from 280,000 to 346,000 gallons of fuel, and an annual reduction in CO2 emissions ranging from 6.7 to 7.9 million pounds." (Sustainable Table)


CLICK HERE to read specifically about Health and nutrition of sustainable foods.


Here is San Diego's list of farmer's markets to check out. Which is your favorite?
For exact locations click here for the Farm Bureau San Diego County

Escondido - Welk Village  Alpine Coronado Escondido Mira Mesa Otay Ranch Rancho Bernardo UCSD/La Jolla Adams Ave Bonita Carlsbad Ocean BeachSan Marcos ** Santee Tu Mercado (USD) Chula Vista Del Sur Horton Square  Lakeside **  North Park Oceanside CFM  Oceanside Sunset Valley Center **

Borrego Springs Fallbrook Imperial Beach La Mesa Mission Hills - San Diego Mission Valley Rancho Bernardo San Marcos Carlsbad City Heights ** Del Mar Little Italy Pacific Beach Poway Ramona Scripps Ranch Vista Bonsall Fallbrook Gaslamp District Hillcrest Julian La Jolla Leucadia/Encinitas Point Loma Rancho Santa Fe Solana Beach ** Accepts EBT, Credit & Debit Card

Read from TheKitchn HERE on Farmer's Market tips and etiquette.