Supporting the Garden State: Buying from New Jersey Farmers
If you ate today, thank a farmer.
We could not live the lives we live without them. Their jobs are essential to our economy and livelihoods and yet many are living in poverty, so what gives?
One in four farm families lives below the poverty line and we like to blame the government for that but, what if it was our fault? Since the 1950s we have gravitated more and more towards shopping at corporate stores for our produce and food. But why are we going through the middle man, instead of buying from our local New Jersey Farmers?
By going straight to the farmer we;
- Save ourselves money
- Pay the farmer what they deserve
- Support our community
- Support the farming industry
Many farms are being bought out and being replaced with corporate farms that use substandard and sometimes suspect farming practices that leave us questioning the safety of our food. It also robs the farmers of their income and livelihood. It’s up to us to stop it by buying from our locally owned New Jersey farms directly.
Some may be concerned, “But can I get what I need from the farmers?”
Absolutely. Farmers produce more than many people realize. When you decide to shop at local farmers markets and buy directly you can buy,
- Fresh Fruit
- Fresh Vegetables
- Canned Produce
- Canned Home-made Jam and Jelly
- Local Honey
- Beef
- Chicken
- Chicken Eggs
- Pork
- Lamb
- Duck
- Duck Eggs
- Cheese
- Baked Goods
- And So Much More!
This list alone will fill your fridge, freezer, and pantry! Buying farm-to-table can help you eat healthy whole foods that have been grown right in your township. It also helps local youth learn where their food comes from and expands community awareness.
We have the ability to save our neighborhood farms and cattle ranches from bankruptcy, and all it takes is driving to a farm for our weekly grocery shopping instead of a Superstore that ships in produce from its own out-of-state farms. Farmers are the foundation of America, and it’s time to support them and give them the respect they deserve. Support New Jersey farmers and support your local community and economy today!