Nolalocavores

There are many reasons to try a local food diet. Some people become locavores because they want to support their local farmers and economy. Others want to reduce the size of their carbon footprint and make a positive impact on the environment. People also become locavores for health reasons or simply because they believe that local foods taste better. Many locavores find that their diet helps them learn new things about the food they eat and the community where they live. Food co-ops are more like traditional grocery stores than farmers’ markets. However, unlike most traditional grocery stores, co-ops help support local farmers and producers and the local economy. In the United States, about 30 percent of farmers’ products are sold through local co-ops [source: NCBA]. Community supported agricultural groups allow locavores to forge relationships with local farmers. Interested parties invest in community farms and, in return, receive weekly baskets of vegetables and other farm products. Some CSAs also ask that members work a few hours a week on the farms during the spring through fall. A comprehensive list of New Orleans area CSA’s, farmer markets, community gardens and many other locally made products and where to find them is currently being compiled and will be available for all challengers.