In the United States, Most Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Travel

Essay

In the United States, most fresh fruits and vegetables travel over 1,000 miles to supermarkets before being consumed. Long-distance transportation of industrially produced foods requires large energy inputs and generates significant air pollution. Local alternatives such as farmers' markets and consumer-supported agriculture (CSA) generally decrease these environmental impacts. List at least four additional benefits of buying locally produced foods. Also, how do your personal life circumstances and values impact decision making when purchasing produce? For example, how much individual weight do you place on variables such as cost, convenience, freshness, shelf life, taste,
off-season availability, organic production, and support for local farmers and your community.