Local Growers Guild

Why Buy Local

Health. Environment. Economy. Community. Be part of the Local Dozen educational drive by the Southern Indiana Local Growers Guild (LGG). We engage in educational activities about a Local Dozen reasons to purchase food from local sources. Our hope is to have at least 400 families in Monroe County make weekly purchases of a dozen dollars on local food. So, rather than buying tomatoes from California, buy them from a grower right here in our community. Rather than go to dinner where all the food is from out of state, find a restaurant that purchases some ingredients from local growers. In both these cases you are probably going to make the purchase anyway?so why not choose local for at least a dozen dollars a week? It is healthier, supports our environment, builds our economy and strengthens our community. Below is an overview of the Local Dozen reasons. Detailed information about each is coming soon? make a local difference!

Did You Know?

Did you know that between 1997 and 2002, Indiana lost 466,000 acres of farmland? In 2002, the American Farm Land Trust reported that the between 1992 and 1997, the US paved over 6 million acres of farmland. This is a ?parking lot? roughly the size of Indiana south of Monroe County ! Of all agricultural pollutants, transportation of U.S. food accounts for approximately 24% of greenhouse gas emissions, 15% of common air pollution and 19% of toxic air pollution. In the past three years, 950 varieties of vegetables have become extinct, and of the survivors 74% - almost 4,000 varieties - are endangered.

On average only 10 cents of each dollar spent on produce returns to the farmer? The other 90 cents goes to corporations for packaging, marketing, transportation, etc. By comparison, farmers receive 80 cents of each food dollar when they sell directly to consumers.

Local dollars stay local! By buying locally grown food, you are supporting other businesses in your community in addition to the farmers. Local farmers often put their money back into the community. This money circulates in the community and strengthens the local economy. The average was 1,518 miles. This is more than 10 trips across Indiana! Local growers choose varieties based on taste and providing consumer choice rather than ability to travel in the back of a semi-truck. Fresh-picked local produce comes to your table with more nutrients intact, fresher and tasting better. Picked at peak ripeness and flavor, locally grown seasonal produce has the freshness and taste your family will want to eat. Many consumers find that local fruits and vegetables require only minimal preparation with less salt and sugar.

We look forward to speaking and learning with you all. If you have any questions or would like to support this work (everyone welcome!), please send us an email.