Eating Local: What Does It Mean and Why Does It Matter? Part I

When you hear the phrase, “eating local,” what does it mean to you? In Frito-Lay’s new ad campaign, the company suggests its potato chips are wholesome because a "local" farmer in Texas or Michigan, for instance, grew the potatoes. Recent Wal-Mart ads tout its “local” produce--like Georgia peaches in Georgia stores--although most of its food is shipped from far and wide.

In these tough economic times, in particular, more Americans are choosing to spend their dollars at local businesses. According to Packaged Facts, a market research firm, local food sales will increase from $4 billion in 2002 to $7 billion in 2011.

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, it’s not all bad news that big business wants in on the “local” action. This marketing trend proves that consumers do have an impact on corporate decisions, and that American companies have noticed consumers’ increased local spending.

Local Benefits
At the Western Wake Farmers’ Market, when we say “local”, we mean that all the foods are grown, harvested, caught or crafted within 125 miles of the marketplace at Carpenter Village. (In fact, most vendors are within 80 miles; we went out 125 miles to get the local seafood!) Local matters for a variety of reasons: health and taste, environment, animal welfare, economy and land preservation.

Stay tuned for Part II with more information on why eating local matters.