Fact: In the U.S., it is estimated that produce travels approximately 1,500 miles from the farms where it’s grown to the homes of customers, resulting in higher fuel costs and a negative impact on rural communities who depend on agriculture for their economic survival.
Five years ago, when I took my deep dive into green living, I came across several online articles detailing the benefits of buying locally sourced products and foods. When you think about it, buying locally makes sense practically, economically, and sustainably.
- Foods, in particular, are fresher because they haven’t had to travel long distances.
- Buying locally also helps support businesses in your community, thereby positively contributing to your local economy.
- Because products like produce don’t have to travel thousands of miles before they reach your store, you’ll reap the benefits of lower costs.
- And a reduction in fuel expenditure associated with long-distance travel contributes positively towards a reduced carbon footprint.
Recognizing the environmental and economic benefits to buying locally in addition to consumer demands for sustainable foods, Walmart is committed to buying local produce, which you can now find in Supercenters across the country. Specifically, in stores across the country you’ll find fresh produce grown by local farmers in your community.
So what does that mean?
When strawberries, for example, are in season, you’ll see them in abundance in your local stores. Because produce is very seasonal, there may be times you’ll see some fruits and vegetables and not others.
While I was at my local Walmart, I picked up a container of fresh strawberries, grown in the city of Orange, CA, which is just minutes from the store where I purchased them. I appreciate how fresh and affordable they were. Since strawberries are a favorite in our home, I decided to create a simple summer dessert:
Strawberries and Pound Cake
1 container of strawberries, washed and sliced
Sliced pound cake
Heavy whipping cream
Powdered sugar
Begin by whipping cream and powdered sugar until it’s reached the desired consistency. Set aside or chill.
Top slices of pound cake with sliced strawberries*
Top with whipped cream
*If you like your strawberries sweet, you can sprinkle sugar over them and combine in a bowl
Bon Appétit
While you are shopping this week, be sure to look for the green “Locally Grown” signs.
Disclosure: I participate in the Walmart Moms program and am compensated for my time and honest opinions.
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A lot of the top chefs are starting to buy local here in Vegas. It is hard since we are in the desert, but every little bit helps.
Your desert looks amazing!
That looks so good! We love to buy locally here too and are really lucky to have some great markets right nearby.
Great photos too! 🙂
Oh, that looks good! I love fresh fruits and vegetables!
Whirlwind of Surprises
Looks yummy! I’m hoping we have more locally grown organic products. Strawberries are always on the dirty dozen list so I’m torn between buying locally and organic.
We use to live just 15 minutes from the Strawberry fields in Central Florida. There was just about nothing better than bringing home a just picked flat of strawberries, and cutting them up to eat right away.