Localvore Much?!

Localvore Much?!

A localvore is a person dedicated to eating food grown and produced locally.  Here on the eastern shore we have a lot of local farms so why not eat locally?  It supports the local economy (more money for us), it is healthier (no shipping time), it is safer (less susceptible to food borne illnesses) and it tastes better!  A home cooked meal tastes better and so does neighborly fruits and vegetables!

So where to buy?  We can first start with the local farmers markets, road side stands and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA).  CSAs are becoming more and more popular.  It is a great way for a group of people to collectively purchase products from a local farm.  Shares can be paid for in cash or labor, but they generally rely on a combination of both.  For example you pay a flat fee to the local farmer and you help on the farm or by helping pass out shares to others.

If you decide to join a CSA, at first you may wonder what you got yourself into because frankly you may need Vegetable Recognition 101 classes!  But look on the bright side it may inspire you to try something new and learn a way to cook the vegetable to perfection!

Some CSAs may also offer eggs, cheese and milk from other local producers.  There are several CSAs in our area and a couple of websites, like localharvest.org, that you can reference to locate one near you.  For example:

Calliope Farm is a small scale CSA and is located at 5000 Stock Creek Lane, Salisbury.  Call 202-716-0217 or visit their website calliopefarmandgarden.com for more information.  They also can be found at the Camden Avenue Farmers Market most Tuesdays.

The Good Farm is located at 11483 Sinepuxent Road in Berlin.  They accept visitors and volunteers, call 410-713-8803 or visit wegrowgoodfood.com for more information.  They also can be found at the Ocean Pines and Fenwick Island Farmers Markets.

Remember if you don’t want to join a CSA there are always the Farmers Markets!  Eat local, shop local, be a local!