Freshen Up Locally

Spring is about all things fresh...and I would like to encourage you to allow that mantra to inspire your food choices for the upcoming months. For most of us, we have a couple weeks yet before the fresh local bounty begins to pour in, so as you use up the processed and frozen foods-don't replace them. Instead, consider buying into fresh local food source. If you haven't already, there is still time to buy into a CSA, Farmer Coop, to plant your own garden, plan for the farmers market, or all of the above.

For the sake of easy reading, I am going to keep things pretty simple here. For hose of you who are looking to get more information pertaining to miscellaneous topics in this discussion, I've added many great links to check out.

Fresh vs.Processed... Food grown and consumed locally spares the environment of emissions associated with transport. It cuts back corporate distribution cost and best of all; provides us with the opportunity to support organizations who are truly invested in the future of our health as well as that of the planet. Beyond this there are many health benefits of eating whole foods (foods that are in their original form).

Organic vs. Sustainable or Chemical Free... Today the term organic is a common-place buzz word. Generally speaking this certification indicates foods are free of conventional non-organic chemicals (pesticides, insecticides and herbicides), or genetic modification. If livestock or animal bi-products (milk/eggs/cheese) are involved it indicates that these animals are reared without the routine use of antibiotics or growth hormones. While I am a supporter of food that is pure, clean, unchanged by man, and considerate of animal welfare, I have come to understand that there are many food sources this time of year encompass these standards but lack the organic seal. Many fantastic sustainable farming operations are in alignment with these principles but simply lack the costly certification. For some small operations, it's not always feasible, others don't find it necessary for them to acquire this certification because with or without it they farm according to their beliefs. When you shop your food, organic or sustainable, consider it to be something a product is not, rather something a product is-inquire about the local foods without the certification and see what their practices are. When you find one that fits your beliefs and health standards, support them.

Deciding which is right for you and your family...The great thing about this time of year is that there are many options to choose from, the tricky part is deciding which is right for your wants, needs and lifestyle. Often this is a matter of talking with others who have been a part of various programs and trying them out based on what you learn. For me, I have found that the combination of them are right for us. Learn more about the various programs to determine which is right for you and your family. Below are some programs that I have had great experiences with (or know someone else who has).

The bottom line here is to become informed and involved in your food choices. By doing so, the foundation of your nutrition becomes less about a diet and more about food choices that fit your beliefs. Whether it's about weight loss, food intolerance/allergies, a medical condition/illness, or basic wellness-it all starts here, and there is no better time of year to make the change!

Iowa Resources...

Farming Cooperative

Buying Club

The Homestead CSA

Iowa CSA Listings

Misc Resources...

CSA, or Farming Cooperatives by zip code

Farms, Markets, and other local programs by zip code

Nationwide Resource for Healthy Meats

http://www.foodroutes.org/