Eating Seasonal, Local Produce: Benefits for Health and the Environment

The practice of eating seasonal, local produce offers many benefits to both our health and the environment. Eating seasonally can provide your body with the most nutrient-dense food possible, while supporting local farmers and businesses and reducing food waste.

Nutritional Advantages

When you eat produce that is in-season, you are getting food that is at its peak flavor and nutritional value. Food that has been grown nearby and harvested at the peak of its ripeness will contain more vitamins and minerals than produce that has been shipped from afar or stored for long periods of time. Eating seasonally means you are getting the freshest, most nutrient-dense food possible.

Supporting Local Farmers and Businesses

Eating seasonally means you are supporting your local agricultural economy. Buying locally grown produce helps to keep money in your local community and can help to ensure the success of small family farms. Additionally, when you buy locally, you avoid the environmental impacts associated with transporting food long distances.

Reducing Food Waste and Environmental Impacts

When you buy seasonal produce, you are reducing food waste. Seasonally grown produce has a shorter shelf life, so it is more likely to be consumed before it spoils. This means less food is wasted and fewer resources are used to produce and transport it. Additionally, reducing food waste can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as the decomposition of food in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

Eating seasonal, local produce is an easy way to benefit both your health and the environment. By taking advantage of the nutritional advantages, supporting local farmers and businesses, and reducing food waste, you can enjoy the best food while doing your part to help the planet.