via hooplanow.com
Now that summer is in full flower and last winter’s doldrums are a chilly memory, it’s time to make good on that New Year’s promise most of us pledged, our hands clutching another steaming mug of triple-mocha-latte-whatever: Start eating better.
After all, who can’t find something nutritious to love in the season of strawberries, snap peas and other delights, particularly smack in the heart of America’s farm country? Plus making sure you get your daily allowance of fruits, veggies and other good-for-you stuff can also mean you’re doing the environment and the local economy — not just your body — good.
Of course, you don’t have to grow your own grub to reap the benefits. Fortunately for those of us who don’t have the time for a backyard garden – or don’t have a backyard, period – the Corridor boasts an abundance of farmers markets, from Iowa City (Wednesdays after work, Saturday mornings) up to Cedar Rapids (every weekday from 4 to 6 p.m. at various locations, as well as Saturday mornings) and everywhere in between. North Liberty? Try Sundays. Marion? Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings.
“There’s nothing like going out and buying a tomato that was picked just that morning, and then going down to the guy who raises some pork and getting some nice bacon, and picking up some good lettuce and a loaf of bread and then sitting down with your family and friends and having something really good,” says Dennis Rehberg, who’s raised pork on his family farm near Walker since the early 1980s and sells his wares at area farmers markets.
“Eating local” may be a catch phrase these days, but beyond the hipster hype there are many reasons to keep tabs on the pedigree of what’s on your plate. For one thing, supporting local farmers, ranchers and other food producers keeps your grocery dollars in Iowa.
Theresa Carbrey, head of education and member services at Iowa City’s New Pioneer Co-op, points out that while Iowa may be an agricultural economy, that’s not necessarily the case once you walk through the supermarket door.
“Even though Iowa is a major food producer, when it comes to food for people, we’re actually a food importer,” she says.
So what’s the real, tangible benefit of skipping the chain superstore and heading for the Iowa-sourced goods? It’s certainly enough for Rehberg to be able to keep his business a local affair.
“I’m not a big pork producer, but I specialize in farmers markets – I sell about 90 percent of my pork there,” he says.
And with that sort of local focus comes another important benefit: Shopper, meet farmer. Farmer, meet shopper.
“You get a really close relationship with people, you watch their kids grow up. It’s how it should be,” he says. “That’s what a farmers market is for.”
Stuck for inspiration? There’s always someone glad to provide ideas for your dinner plans. In fact, says Jill Wilkins, who organizes the Cedar Rapids Downtown District’s farmers markets, the most popular events have been the cooking demonstrations.
“It gives people ideas on how to use the products that are at the markets – and because they can talk to the person who grew it, people tend to try different produce that they wouldn’t at the grocery store,” she says.
“Come down and give it a try,” she says. “Even if you don’t buy anything the first time. We have a lot of vendors, so it can be a little overwhelming. Explore a few new things, and when you make your grocery list for the week, come down to the farmers market first. You can always fill in the blanks at the grocery store, but you’ll be amazed with what you can actually purchase.”
Can’t make it to market? You’re still not doomed to a week of fish sticks and french fries. Stores, like New Pioneer Co-op, can come to the rescue.
The member-owned store, with locations in Coralville and downtown Iowa City, has been in business since 1971. They stock fresh local goodies — everything from mushrooms to artisan Iowa cheeses — with an emphasis on food that’s sustainably produced, local whenever possible and – most importantly – tasty.
“Think of a tomato that’s built to ship from California or withstand getting bounced off the back of a truck — by the time it gets to the table, the pleasure is lost,” Carbrey says. “What we’re doing is a win-win thing; we’re supporting the people who are doing the right thing with the land, and we get a more pleasing product.”
Plus, Carbrey adds, whether you’re buying food or any other product, you’re indirectly sending a message with your dollars. “Choosing food is really an investment in yourself and your community,” she says.
Mix that with the fact that what you add to your basket at the Co-op or the farmers market is almost surely better for you than something you’d pick up in the drive-through line, and it’s a no-brainer.
All you have to do, she says, is start. “Identify the easiest spot to start making some changes, and go from there.”
Copyright © 2010 | Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. |