About Local Goodness

Our nation has a rich agricultural industry and heritage. Family farms, large and small, are an important part of the American tradition of self-sufficiency, forming the bedrock of many communities across the U.S. While family farms face a number of real obstacles and threats to their existence, we can be grateful for their undying dedication and hard work to continue to provide us with the gifts from their land.

Local Goodness is an adventure, a journey, a lifestyle, a reward...it's about pausing for a moment and remembering a way of life that is still with us. And even though for many of us it may not be that apparent, it continues to reward us greatly when we know where to look for its treasures.

For me, there is nothing better than a fresh green bean just picked from the field, or that juicy tomato plucked from the vine and still warmed by the sun. We're insanely fortunate in the United States that we have unlimited access to an unending variety of food year round and from all parts of the globe. But there is nothing better than the sight of a farmer's pick-up truck, loaded up with battered boxes full of the season's best -- whether parked along side the road, at a farmers' market or making their delivery to the local grocery store. That's when my taste buds dance and my body makes a strange connection with the earth from which these foods have emerged. I am forever thankful to the farmers who continue to offer me the adventure, discovery and rewards of local goodness.

Just go out and find it!! If you live in or near Pennsylvania, click on the Buy Fresh Buy Local image to search for local goodness near you! Across the country you can find sources of fresh, local, seasonal ingredients by visiting Local Harvest.

These resources can help you find the following sources of local goodness near you:

Within your city limits and certainly just outside the city there are more families farming that you can imagine. Whether large or small, they have made it their life's work to work the land and bring incredible food to our tables. Many of these farms welcome you to walk their fields and orchards, meet the farmers, learn about farming first hand and pick your own bounty. Others have their own farm store and special events. Find one near you, or make an adventure out of it and plan a weekend of farm-hopping (if they don't have regular operating hours for the public, be sure to call first.)

Farmers' markets are scattered throughout cities, small towns and the countryside. They are a gathering place for farmers to sell the variety of food they raise and produce. You can find fruits, vegetables, locally raised meats and poultry, fresh milk, eggs, artisan cheeses, breads, herbs, honey, jams, flowers, plants and much, much more. Make farmers' markets a part of your food shopping routine and you will be rewarded with the finest products around.

CSAs are an incredibly easy way to ensure you get the best and freshest local seasonal products throughout the growing season. In some places around the country this can be year-round. In other
areas the growing season is limited to just a few months. With a CSA you enter an arrangement where an individual or family purchases a share in a local farm. In return, they receive a portion, or "share", of the farm's harvest as each crop comes in throughout the growing season. This arrangement provides a direct link between consumer and farmers that helps provide stability to the farmer and a bounty of fresh products to the consumer. Look for farms offering CSAs in your area...I promise you won't be disappointed!

Whereever your Local Goodness adventure takes you...make it a family affair. Something magical happens when children learn where real food comes from and when they have a hand in picking the food (whether direct from the farm or at a local market). You'll be amazed at their excitement at the new things they have found and more than likely they will find that they actually like it!