So! What are some options for sourcing local products? Here are some of my favorite ways.
Farmer’s market- This one’s a no-brainer, if there’s a local market in your community, there’s sure to be local products! I go to ours to pick up seasonal fruit and veggies as well as meat.
Smaller local shops- We have a few markets around Vancouver where you can find local items such as raw honey.
CSA- Many farms offer a community-supported agriculture box, often throughout summer. You receive local produce and often there are add-ons available such as eggs, bread, flowers, meat, etc. You can see if you have options near you here.
Facebook groups- Try searching “(your county) farm to table” – we have one for my county where I’ve found everything from local eggs from backyard hens to pasture raised chicken to pork, etc. Tons of farms and people interested in eating locally are in the group.
Farmish- This is an app where you put in your zip code and it shows local farms selling things. This is how I found pasture-raised eggs (okay fine, I have several local sources for eggs and have found them in several places on this list!).
Start a little homestead- I live in a townhouse but I make what I can at home – kombucha, sourdough, etc. One day I want to have chickens and a cow (for raw milk!). I’m planning on starting a small patio garden or getting a community garden plot this year.
Online markets- Do a Google search for farms near me selling ____ and you might stumble on a online market for pickup or delivery! Or a farm stand you can stop by.
Bigger online stores or the supermarket- I realize there are a lot of people who may have limited local options – at online markets such as Azure or your local supermarket, keep an eye out for items from your or neighboring states if possible.
What did I miss? What’s your favorite way to source local products?
