Where to Find Local
Online Farm Guide:
Started in 2008 by our friends at Farm Fresh RI, the Online Farm Guide is your source for all things locally grown and produced throughout Massachusetts and neighboring states. This fully searchable guide allows you to find farmers markets, pick-your-own operations, farmstands, restaurants, and indivisuals who grow or sell local foods. It’s easy, it’s colorful, and it’s fun to see what could be growing in your own backyard!
Farmers Markets:
One of the most important benefits of buying food at the farmers market is having someone answer your questions about how it was grown and raised. You develop a relationship with local farmers that gives you an ‘in’ with your local food system.
CSA (Community Supported Agriculture):
Click Here for a listing of Local CSAs
A CSA is a system in which consumer support a local farm by paying in advance for farm products. CSA member families and individuals are encouraged to visit the farm and even volunteer their time and talents to the many tasks associated with planting, weeding, and harvesting. Advanced payment of your ‘share’ helps to reduce the financial risk to the farmer by allowing upfront capital which helps cover the cost of seeds, equipment repair and plantings. CSA members share both the risks and the bounty of the harvest with the farmer, all the while learning more about eating seasonally, and the local food system from seed to plate.
More information on the CSAs check out the following sites:
History of CSAs – ATTRA article
Umass Amherst Vegetable Program
Farmstands:
Roadside stands (self-service or staffed) are very popular throughout rural Southeastern Mass. Often times these sites offer a variety of local vegetables and value-added products like baked goods, honey, jams, and syrups. Stop by often throughout the seasons to purchase the freshest local foods. If you don’t see particular product feel free to ask, often times growers have small supplies of vegetables and fruits not on display.
Restaurants:
Ask your favorite restaurant or chef if any menu items contain locally grown, harvested or caught products. Establishments like these depend on customer loyalty and input, so let them know you want local.