Take our advice on the most effective way to shop locally for your groceries.
With the warm weather brings the desire to shop locally for groceries. People are looking forward to all the fresh fruits and veggies that come with the coming months. Whether you’re looking to make a salad for a picnic, or you just want to spice up your lunches, here’s our guide to get ahead on buying your food locally.
Credit: Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
- Find a farmers market that you love.
Shopping locally can be challenging for people who don’t have good access to small businesses. In some rural communities, the only option is to shop at corporate or chain stores. However, these communities can often have other resources for shopping small. Farmer’s markets, even small ones, provide the opportunity to buy fresh produce and other products. Some stands sell homemade things like soaps and baked goods, branching out from just the produce that might traditionally spring to mind.
If you live close to LA, you can find farmer’s markets more easily. To name a few, there are the Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market, the Silver Lake Farmer’s Market and the Original Farmer’s Market. There are many other great markets to choose from as well, and it is worth doing your own research. Remember, the times and days that they are open might vary due to the pandemic.
Photo: NeONBRAND on Unsplash
- Support and promote the local businesses you love on social media.
You never know just how much a like or a follow can mean to someone who is starting out their business. What can be even more helpful for these entrepreneurs is the promotion and support from people who have purchased their products. If you bought something from a small business, there is no harm in telling your friends, family and followers.
During the pandemic, small businesses are struggling more than ever to keep their income flowing. Everyone needs a little extra support right now, and this is no exception. Be sure to show off the great products and produce that you get locally.
Photo: @farmersmarketla on Instagram
Photo: @beverlyhillsfarmersmarket on Instagram
- Expand your idea of what shopping locally can look like.
Shopping locally doesn’t always mean that it has to be for produce. There are many other ways to support your community financially. Instead of buying your coffee from somewhere like Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts, opt for a local cafe. Don’t buy your meat from a large corporate grocery store; find a smaller butcher and buy from there. There are so many ways to support your community, and they need it more than ever.
It is important to show support to shops that are selling things other than just produce. Your dollar speaks louder than your words sometimes. Even if you say that you support small businesses, it doesn’t matter if you don’t act on those words. If you keep giving your money to large corporations, that says something to those around you – and to the shops you support.
Photo: Taras Zaluzhnyi on Unsplash
Now is the time to show up and support the people that live in your community. Not only will you be getting quality food and services, but you can also be proud to help the people around you during these difficult times. Shop locally – your stomach and neighbors will thank you.
