Buying Local

Good afternoon,

Before I get into my entry for the day, I would like to let people know that they can now subscribe to the Eddie’s Energy Bars Blog by clicking the link on the left. This will send you e-mails everytime I write an entry! Subscribe today!
It has been a very chilly day down here in Smithfield, RI. It is like a windchill of -15 degrees outside! I know it’s like -30 up in Vermont right now, so just hang in there, and it will all be over with by the time the weekend comes around, and I am home for “spring” break! Wahoo! Anyway, I would like to bring up a topic that, like the weather, has been very cold and untouched: Buying Local.
Buying Local is exactly what it sounds like. Consumers buy local food from retailers, farmers, etc. For me, buying local is very important, as a small business owner in the small rural town of Richmond, VT. Buying Local is important for the following reasons:

YOU’LL GET EXCEPTIONAL TASTE AND FRESHNESS.
Local food is fresher and tastes better than food shipped long distances from other states or countries. Local farmers and manufacturers can offer varieties bred for taste and freshness rather than for shipping (Eddie’s Energy Bars are shipped frozen) and long shelf life.

YOU’LL STRENGTHEN YOUR LOCAL ECONOMY.
Buying local food keeps your dollars circulating in your community. Getting to know the people who grow and manufacture your food builds relationships based on understanding and trust, the foundation of strong communities.

YOU’LL PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT.

Local food doesn’t have to travel far. This reduces carbon dioxide emissions and packing materials. Buying local food also helps to make farming more profitable and selling farmland for development less attractive.

TASTE THE DIFFERENCE IN FRESH, LOCAL FOOD AND JUDGE FOR YOURSELF!

• Premium Taste. Locally grown fruits and vegetables are usually sold within 24 hours of being harvested. Produce picked and eaten at the height of ripeness has exceptional flavor and, when handled properly, is packed with nutrients.
• Maximum Freshness. By choosing local produce or products at farm stands, farmers markets, pick-your-own farms and grocery stores, you pay for taste, not transportation and packaging.
• Unique Varieties. Local farmers often grow a large assortment of unique varieties of products to provide the most flavorful choices throughout the season.

BUYING LOCAL IS THIS EASY:

• Find a farmer, farmers’ market, farm stand, CSA, restaurant, retailer, or other local food outlet near you or search in regions nationally, www.foodroutes.org/localfood/.
• Shop at your local farmers’ market or farm stand for the freshest, best tasting food available. It s easy to find local food. There are over 3,100 farmers’ markets in the U.S.9
• Encourage your local grocery stores and area restaurants to purchase more of their products from local farmers.The above information was taken from the PA initiative for consumers to buy local. The Richmond Area Business Association is currently developing a buy local campaign to get its own consumers to buy goods from farmers and retailers. This is important for EEB because we are a locally manufactured product that is sold in retail stores around the state. I guess the point I am trying to make is that it really is not a lot of effort to start buying local. It saves money, gas, and your very important time. Before running out for your next errand, pick up an Eddie’s Energy Bar, while staying in town at the same time!Michael Adams, Owner
  Eddie’s Energy Bars
  Richmond, VT
  www.eddiesenergy.com

  “The Best Handmade Energy Bar EVER!”