You’ve probably heard or read about the benefits of eating locally. Your food will be fresher, you can get to know the person growing or making your food, and you will cut down on environmental waste from transporting food from far away. Plus, a quest to focus on locally-grown or locally-prepared foods usually leads to healthier eating.
Although we live in Florida, known for its agricultural bounty, it’s not always clear what’s the best way to support local growers. That’s because many farms, even in Manatee County, are large commercial growers. Their items may be going around the world, not just staying in our region.
So, how do you know who the local growers and food preparers are, and how can you support them for your own better health and community connections? We’ve got a few ideas to help so you can support local foods and farms in the Bradenton/Sarasota area for healthier eating.
4 Ways to Support Local Agriculture and Food Purveyors
- Visit one of our great markets. In Bradenton, the Bradenton Public Market held on Saturdays October through May features several growers and food producers, such as JoGrows (specializing in microgreens) and Petrichor Mushrooms. The well-known Sarasota Farmers Market takes place on Saturdays year-round in downtown Sarasota and includes several regional growers as well as many other great food preparers. You can find out more about local Bradenton and Sarasota markets here.
- Visit Detwiler’s. Many local consumers are Detwiler’s Farm Market devotees, for good reason. This rapidly expanding local supermarket chain, currently with six locations, offers quality products for good prices. To help support local and state agriculture as well, it will often label produce that’s grown locally. Depending on the season, you may find large displays outside featuring strawberries from Plant City or citrus from right here in the Sunshine State. Sometimes, Detwiler’s will showcase a certain item grown in Florida that you may not have heard of before (watermelon guava, anyone?).
- Read Edible Sarasota magazine. The Edible magazine franchise focuses on farms and food from each respective local market, and Edible Sarasota is no exception. This quarterly magazine fills you in on our local gems so you know just who and how to support for local foods.
- Ask your local restaurants. Restaurant owners and chefs know the value of locally grown and prepared food items. So, if this is important to you, ask your favorite local restaurants if they obtain any food items, such as produce, from local sources. Plus, we know that the Chiles Hospitality Group—which runs The BeachHouse on Bradenton Beach, Mar Vista on Longboat Key, and The Sandbar on Anna Maria Island—has its own farm in Parrish called Gamble Creek and focuses on sustainability in many ways.
Call Acupuncture and Herbal Solutions in Bradenton for Healthier Living
Bradenton acupuncture physician Dr. Dominique Vonador is ready to help you achieve better wellness. A visit to Dr. Vonador is about more than just acupuncture. Dr. Vonador will consider your overall health and give you guidance for better wellness and balance in your life. Dr. Vonador now has two offices to conveniently serve patients, in Bradenton and in Ellenton. From allergies to headaches to back pain to better sleep, you’re in good hands with Dr. Vonador. To set an appointment, call 941-479-2937 today. You can also find us on Facebook, at Acupuncture and Herbal Solutions. Find our website at www.DrVonador.com
Heal the Body. Restore the Mind. 