Locally Grown Foods*

Do you ever drive by a local farm and wonder, "Where does my food come from?" The answer might be closer than you think! Hope College Dining Services is proud to introduce our Locally Grown Food line. Whenever you spot the Locally Grown Food logo, you'll know that what you're about to eat came from a local farm or processor. Maybe even down the street!

*We define locally grown as any food or product produced or grown in the state of Michigan.

To find out more about the "Growing for the Good" campaign, click on the Grow logo below!

10 Reasons to Buy Local Food:

1. Locally grown food tastes better: Food grown in your community was probably picked within the past day or too. It's crisp, sweet and loaded with flavor.

2. Local produce is better for you: Locally grown food, purchased soon after harvest, retains its nutrients.

3. Local food preserves genetic diversity: Local farmers grow a huge number of varieties, many of which are heirlooms, passed down from generation to generation.

4. Local food is GMO-free: Local farmers do not have access to genetically modified seed, and most of them wouldn't use it even if they could. Thus, locally grown food is bred the old-fashioned way, as nature intended it.

5. Local food supports local farm families: Local farmers who sell direct to consumers cut out the middleman and get full retail price for their food - which means farm families can afford to stay on the farm, doing the work they love.

6. Local food builds community: When you buy direct from the farmer, you are re-establishing a time-honored connection between eater and grower. Relationships built on understanding and trust can thrive.

7. Local food preserves open space: As the value of direct-marketed fruits and vegetables increases, selling farmland for development becomes less likely.

8. Local food keeps your taxes in check: Farms contribute more in taxes than they require in services, whereas suburban development costs more than it generates in taxes. For each dollar of revenue raised by farm, forest or open space, governments spend 34 cents on services.

9. Local food supports a clean environment and benefits wildlife: A well-managed family farm is a place where the resources of fertile soil and clean water are valued. The habitat of the farm is the perfect environment for beloved species of wildlife.

10. Local food is about the future: By supporting local farmers today, you can help ensure that there will be farms in your community tomorrow.

The above information and pictures were found at the City of Holland/Holland Farmer's market website. For more information about local purveyors, please visit www.cityofholland.com.