How much does eating locally-produced food help the climate problem? What are the other potential environmental and social benefits of eating locally-grown/produced food? Do you have a food garden in your school or at home? If not, do you want one?
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For the last year I have had a vegetable and herb garden in my backyard. Every once in a while, if a herb of vegetable is not in season we buy it, organically if possible, from a store. I have noticed that the store bought food taste different, and eating them does not satisfy me. I feel that there are many benefits to eating and purchasing locally grown foods. By purchasing locally grown food, we are reducing packaging and transport, which reduces carbon emissions. Also, by eating locally, you are supporting farmers in your area. I have yet to find a farmers market close to me, but when I do, I plan to start shopping there when needed.
Maia, I totally agree with you in saying that locally grown produce has a much more satisfying taste because most local foods are the freshest that you can possibly find. However, locally grown produce is not always of the best quality. When farmers choose to sell their crops locally in small businesses, they are not required to label the exact freshness, pesticides used, or whether or not the produce is organic. Along those same lines, small business owners such as those in farmers markets are not required to follow the federal USDA standards for organic produce, so if they label a food as "organic," it in no way means that what you are buying is grown in a completely organic environment. You are correct in saying that purchasing locally grown crops greatly reduces carbon emissions used to transport organic and conventional produce to stores all around the country and even the world, but remember to take precautions and ask questions when ever you shop at farmers markets or similar environments because you usually won't know exactly what you are truly buying.
Thank you for pointing that out Maia! In addition to buying locally grown foods, we can also bring re-usable bags to reduce the carbon emission even more. I visit my local market often and I always see strong messages involving the environment on the bags. Perhaps the quotes or pictures on the bags will help people realize that they can make an even bigger change by using re-usable bags instead of plastic bags.