Buying Locally Sourced Food: Benefits Close to Home

​​Eating right is an essential part of an active and healthy lifestyle. There are many options when it comes to buying food, but buying locally can be more beneficial than you may think! Purchasing and eating locally sourced food enhances the economy, and ultimately benefits your community. 

​More jobs are created when communities buy locally. In 2015, small local businesses created 1.1 million jobs. When farmers choose to produce and sell locally, they give people in the community new employment opportunities.
 
Buying locally sourced food keeps money in the community. The money spent at local businesses is better redistributed within the community which can improve schools, libraries, and other local services. On average, 48% of all money spent locally stays in the community, and less than 14 percent of money spent at chains is recirculated into the local economy.
 
When you buy locally, it keeps costs low over time. Small businesses that sell local produce are more equipped to model their sales plans after their consumer’s needs and interests. Also, small businesses like farm stands and farmers markets give consumers more options. They can offer a wider variety of food, and often for a lot less money.
 
Not only will you stimulate the economy, but you will help the environment! Locally sourced food has a decreased travel time, which reduces fuel emissions, packaging waste, habitat loss, and pollution.
 
Over time, supporting local businesses and buying locally sourced food will save you money, create more jobs, and improve your community. Next time you go shopping, consider going local!
 
Stay tuned for exciting news about statewide legislation that will bring fresh, healthy, and locally-sourced food to more Arizonans. The bill, sponsored by Senator Kate Brophy McGee, aims to enhance the buying power of SNAP participants. This will be done using the Double Up Food Bucks Arizona program which promotes buying Arizona-grown produce at Arizona farmers markets, farm stands, CSA’s, mobile markets, and grocery stores.
 
If the bill is passed it will provide more communities, stores, and organizations with Double Up Arizona’s benefits. Keep an eye on Pinnacle Prevention’s Facebook, Twitter and monthly newsletter for more information and announcements!