Why Should We Buy Local?

Look beyond the grocery aisle: reclaiming flavor, connection, community and saving a little green 💵

Karen Langston

and

Lauren Gabrielle Foster

May 19, 2025

Transcript

Welcome in Fascinating ladies,

Have you ever bitten into a tomato so fresh, so juicy, and so full of flavor it practically stopped time? Not the kind you pick up in a big-box store that’s been bred to survive a thousand-mile truck ride—but the kind still warm from the sun, grown just down the road, bursting with the taste of summer. That tomato tells a story. Of soil, sunshine, and a farmer who knows your name.

This was such a great conversation and I hope you get some great tidbits for your own well being journey. When we choose local foods, we’re not just feeding our bodies, we’re nourishing our communities, the environment, and our local economy. It’s a ripple effect that starts with a simple tomato. I bet there are some interesting little tidbits you did not know in this weeks podacast. In fact, care to share what you learned?

Have an Idea or Question?

If you happen to have been sparked by a thought, curiosity or want an answer to a question you have, leave me a message on my dedicated podcast line (656) 222-0848. If I can not answer, I will find the expert who can. Or, send me a message.

Whether you re new, been around with me for a while, thank you for being here with me.

Show Notes

1. Nutritional Value and Freshness

Local foods are often harvested at peak ripeness, leading to higher nutritional content compared to produce that’s shipped long distances.
Study to mention: A 2007 study in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture found that vitamin C levels in vegetables like spinach can degrade significantly within a week of harvest. Local foods often reach the plate faster, preserving nutrients.

2. Taste and Seasonal Eating

Local produce tends to taste better because it’s fresher and in-season.
Seasonal eating supports your body’s natural rhythm (e.g., lighter foods in summer, grounding root vegetables in winter).

3. Environmental Impact

Reduces food miles = fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
Supports regenerative agriculture practices often used by small farms.
Study to mention: A 2008 report by the Environmental Working Group highlighted that food transportation contributes to ~11% of total GHG emissions from food, with production being the biggest. Still, local sourcing can reduce energy-intensive packaging and refrigeration.

4. Economic and Community Resilience

Money spent locally stays in the community.
Supports small-scale farmers and creates local jobs.
Talking point: According to the American Independent Business Alliance, local businesses recirculate a greater share of revenue locally compared to chains and imports.

5. Food Security and Sovereignty

Diversifies local food systems.
Reduces dependency on fragile global supply chains.
Promotes seed saving, heritage crops, and resilience against climate-related disruptions.

6. Transparency and Trust

You know how your food is grown.
More direct connection with the grower = more confidence in farming practices (e.g., pesticide use, soil health).
Talking point: Consumers are increasingly seeking transparency. Local food systems inherently offer more traceability.

7. Cultural and Culinary Connection

Preserves regional food traditions and heirloom varieties.
Inspires creativity in the kitchen using what's fresh and local.

Key Studies & Sources if not convinced;

University of California, Davis: Their Postharvest Center has several studies on nutrient degradation post-harvest.
Cornell University’s Community Food Systems Projects: Covers economic impacts of local food.
“Food Miles and the Relative Climate Impacts of Food Choices in the United States” (Weber & Matthews, Environmental Science & Technology, 2008) — shows transportation is a smaller contributor than people think, but local still matters.
USDA Local Food Systems Toolkit: For stats and framework.

Connect with Lauren Gabrielle Foster

If you have a burning question you would like answered on an upcoming show leave a message on my dedicated podcast line 656 222 0848.

Stay well, and until next time, question the norm, trust your wisdom, elegantly and unapologetically roar. And most of all… Lady,, keep being fascinating and sage with sass and grace in eery day life. thanks for listening.