Over the past few years, we have really tried to look for ways to source our food locally. Shortening your food chain is so important.
I know that it is difficult to figure out how to find your local farmers. This has been a process for me as I try to find more sources for what we use. It has taken a lot more work, but it has been so rewarding. I’m going to share some of the ways that we have changed to supporting local farmers instead of big box stores.
A few years ago, we did a CSA program. You can read about our experience here. We really enjoyed being a part of it. But, then we moved and started our own garden and decided to invest that money into our own crops the following year. Getting connected with a CSA is a great place to start. You can go here to find one local to you. When you do this program, you know that you are putting your dollars directly in the hands of farmers. Which in turn puts money right back into your local economy.
Eat Wild— This website has lists of many farms in your state that sell food. Most of our listings have meat and eggs. The cost of sourcing your meat directly from a farmer is SO much more affordable than the grocery store. The quality is also much better. Check out your state and see what you can find. We just purchased 1/4 of a cow this month after starting the process in July. It was so much cheaper than what we have been paying per pound of beef.
Get Raw Milk— This is an awesome resource to help you find local farms to get raw milk for your family. Raw milk still has the probiotics that help your body digest the milk. Pasteurization is why so many people can’t digest dairy anymore. We’ve removed all of the healthy benefits from milk because we are so afraid of the small chance of unwanted bacteria. Raw milk is so much safer than you think. Do the research, don’t just take my word.
If you don’t want to or can’t buy massive amounts of meat, find your closest store that sells local meats. We have a farm store thats an hour and a half away. I try to go once a month to buy our meat for the month. It is MUCH cheaper than even Aldi prices. Finding stores like this takes much more digging. Ask around and see if anyone knows of a place close by.
If you drive in rural areas, you can often find “eggs for sale” signs. Farm fresh eggs taste so much better and have much more nutrition than store bought eggs. These same farms will often have produce available during the growing season.
Search Craigslist. People will post eggs, milk (typically listed as “for animal consumption” due to stupid rules) and extra produce even. Get creative.
It takes a lot of creativity to find what will work best for your area. Once you have your rhythm down, it becomes pretty smooth sailing. These farmers work tirelessly and put so much love and care into what they do. I love being able to directly support them.
If you are local to me, here are some sources that we use:
Kilgus Farmstead— meat, dairy, coffee, soap, honey
Ropp Jersey Farm— Cheese, milk, and meat (Last time I was there they even had elk.) You can even pet the baby cows. Get the dill cheddar. Yum.
Graized Beef— obviously, beef
Janie’s Mill— locally grown and milled flours and grains
Beachy’s Bulk Food Store– This is an amish store, so there’s no website to link. There are so many bulk spices, grains, etc here. Local meats and cheeses fill the freezers.