Among many other fall celebrations, strive to feed your family more local, whole foods in October. Food Day is celebrated on October 24 and is a day dedicated to inspiring Americans to change their diets and food policies. One way to improve your diet is to buy locally grown produce. You can find local foods at farmers’ markets and even grocery stores with a little bit of searching. Our schools even understand the importance of buying local with programs such as Farm to School. Students in Savannah Chatham County will enjoy locally grown Georgia apples this month.
Benefits of buying local:
- Better Taste. Closer to home = fresher! Think of a perfectly ripened, juicy summer tomato or crisp fall apple. Yum!
- Cost savings. Buying locally and in season means bigger harvests and less transport costs.
- More sustainable food environment. Supporting local produce means more money right here in our local economy. This keeps our carbon footprint lower and supports a healthy environment.
Where to buy local:
- Forsyth Farmers’ Market – Open every Saturday at the south end of Forsyth Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., you can find locally grown produce, meats, and dairy products. They even have fun activities for children like the Power of Produce Club.
- Farm Truck 912 – A mobile version of the Forsyth Farmers’ Market will be ready to roll later this year. Look for it coming to a neighborhood near you!
- Wilmington Island Farmers’ Market – Also open every Saturday, rain or shine, at Islands Community Church, you will find many local vendors and family-friendly activities, including a healthy kids club.
- Your local grocery store – Georgia boasts a plentiful harvest all year long. Keep an eye out for apples, broccoli, carrots, collards and other greens, sweet potatoes, winter squash and more this month.