5 Ways to Support Your Local Family Farm
Local family farms are the heart of many communities, providing fresh produce and local meat options. Supporting your local farm not only benefits the farmers but also enriches your community. Here are 5 impactful ways you can show your support:
1. Buy Direct
One of the most simple ways to support local farms is to buy directly from them. Whether at a farmers’ market, in a store right on the farm, or through a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, buying directly gives farmers more control to ensure they receive fair compensation. It also reduces the environmental costs associated with long supply chains. To buy directly from Lee Farms, come visit our Market during open hours.
2. Educate Yourself and Those Around You
Understanding the challenges small farms face is crucial in providing meaningful support. Learn more about local agricultural practices, the impact of local food systems, and policies that affect farming. Then share what you learn with others! Supporting small farms at the ballot box by voting for farm-friendly initiatives and leaders who support agricultures can help make a huge difference to your local family farm. It’s also important to stand up and share the truth when you see misinformation about farming being shared.
3. Take a Tour or Schedule a Visit
Many family farms across the country offer tours and seasonal activities to give you a behind-the-scenes look at their operations. Experiences like our Sunflower Festival, Pumpkin Picking, Christmas Tree Farm, and Berry Season not only provide fun family outings but also help the farm generate income. Visiting a local farm will allow you to forge a deeper connection to the people and processes behind the food you enjoy.
4. Support on Social Media
If you’re not able to physically visit a farm, a simple like, share, or comment on their social media posts can go a long way in helping them reach more customers. Share your experiences with friends and followers, recommend farms you love, or leave positive reviews for the local family farms you visit. Following local farms on social media is an easy way to help amplify their voice and showcase their offerings to a larger audience.
5. Check labels before buying in grocery stores and support local restaurants that use local ingredients
When shopping at the grocery store, check labels to see where your food is coming from. It’s becoming more common for small farms to have their products on the shelves of local grocery stores. You can also prioritize eating at restaurants that source ingredients locally. Supporting grocery stores and restaurants that highlight farm-to-table options will not only benefit local farmers but can also encourage more businesses to follow suit creating a ripple effect of support.
By integrating these practices into your life, you can play an active role in supporting local family farms, ensuring their longevity, and strengthening the community around you.