Farm Fresh: Eat Local
Farmers Markets, Food Cooperatives, and CSA Programs
There are almost two million farms in the USA. About 80% of those are small farms, and a large percentage are family owned. More and more of these farmers are now selling their products directly to the public. They do this through Farmers Markets, Food Cooperatives and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs.
By purchasing fresh produce and goods from your a local farmer, you can help to maintain a healthy environment, a vibrant community, and build a strong and sustainable local economy. Judith Schwartz explains that when you buy local more money stays in the community. The New Economics Foundation compared what happens when people buy produce at a supermarket vs. a local farmer’s market or CSA program and found that twice the money stayed in the community when folks bought locally (Time.com). A few more reasons to eat local:
- The produce is fresher than foods shipped in and sold at the supermarket
- Seasonal foods are at their peak taste, are the most abundant, and the least expensive
- The travel from farm to plate has less susceptibility to harmful contamination
Apples to Oranges: Farm Stand Basics
Farmers Market: a market usually held out-of-doors, in public spaces, where farmers can sell produce to the public. Consumers have access to locally grown, farm fresh produce, and enables farmers the opportunity to develop a personal relationship with their customers and cultivate consumer loyalty.
Food Cooperatives (Coop): worker or customer owned businesses that provide grocery items of the highest quality and best value to their members. Coops can take the shape of retail stores or buying clubs. Food coops are committed to consumer education, product quality, and member control, and usually support local communities by selling produce grown locally by family farms.
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): a farmer offers a certain number of “shares” to the public. Consumers purchase a share (aka a “membership” or a “subscription”). Shares typically consist of a box of seasonal vegetables, but may also include various breads, flowers, eggs, meat, cheese, honey and other farm products.
♥ Celebrate Eat Local Month in August! Visit http://nheatlocal.org/ for information.♥
Resources
- http://nheatlocal.org/
- www.GreenPeople.com
- www.localharvest.org
- www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/farmersmarkets
“Planting the Seeds for Wellness” Fair
The Scott Lawson Companies (Concord, NH) held its first Wellness Fair on April 22nd. Local businesses and non-profit organizations participated in the free event organized by Workforce Wellness LLC. This was a great opportunity to experience a variety of approaches to health and wellness by showcasing vendors that specialize in a wide array of related disciplines.
Attendees were able to view the effects of sun exposure with a Derma Scan, indulge in a massage from Chichester Massage, and taste healthy foods prepared during a cooking demo. It was a ‘first’ for many to experience Reiki and acupuncture. Coppola Physical Therapy tested grip strength and Workforce Wellness LLC screened biometric measurements.
The Dover and Concord Police Departments entertained the crowd! People realized the visual effects of impairment by wearing the ‘beer goggles’. Attendees were reminded of the importance of wearing a safety belt after taking a ride in the car crash simulator.
There were many products to sample such as Badger Balm and Stonyfield Farm yogurt. Care providers such as Delta Dental, MVP Health Care and The Center for Health Promotion were well represented. Healthy recipes, nutrition and health information were exchanged.
The positive vibe and focus on healthy living was at the very foundation of this outstanding event! Thank you to all the exhibitors and organizations that donated their time, goods and services:
- American Cancer Society
- Arthritis Foundation
- Concord Community Acupuncture
- WS Badger (Badger Balm)
- Bikram Yoga Concord
- Center for Health Promotion
- Concord Police Department
- Coppola Physical Therapy
- Body Works Martial Arts
- Chichester Massage
- Delta Dental
- Dover Police Department
- Melcher & Prescott Insurance
- MVP Health Care
- Northeast Organic Farming Association
- Stonyfield Farm
- Workforce Wellness
Working Communities
We all work and live in communities, and are part of several different communities. If one feels that they are part of a group or community they benefit from the spirit of the community and their work, as a group, is performed more efficiently and with better quality. Feeling that you have a “stake” in your work and community is important.
Work communities can be developed in several different ways. Providing community spirit for your workers can help a company’s bottom line and productivity and also be used to assist the larger community. Encouraging employees to give back their local communities help the larger community and if some of these activities are done as a group they can help to develop a stronger community.
Recently the Scott Lawson Group employees have participated in two local events. The road races were in two different communities and benefited different charities. The team spirit that is developed during such an activity leads to better teamwork in the office. This type of event allows employees from different departments to form relationships and learn more about each other’s jobs and duties. Also important is the spirit of giving to the larger community.
There are lots of ways for any company large or small to allow and encourage workers to give back to their communities and to develop a strong team spirit at work. These include Community Days of Caring, local volunteer activities and group activities such as participating in a community event. These activities do not have to occur during work time, they just need someone to organize the “team” for the activity. The team spirit that develops among workers is a benefit to the employer while the community at large is also deriving benefit. Think about a group activity for your work community this fall.
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