Whether you’re a newbie in the local food scene or you’ve been buying and supporting your community farmers for the longest time, you’re already making a big difference and impact in the lives of our small farmers, small food producers, and small food distributors whom, as we all know, have been gravely hit especially this time of the pandemic. If you’re still assessing how and where to spend your money, best invest it in your local food system and local community.
Shop at local gardening stores. For your seeds, soil, garden plants, supplies, and other backyard gardening needs, shop at local gardening stores. Frequent the local garden shop and nurseries instead of big home improvement stores for soil, pots, seeds, starter plants, vermicompost, and organic fertilizers. These stores are usually small and family-owned and are probably not as busy, so employees will have more time to give you personal attention and gardening tips.
Buy from local grocers instead of chain supermarkets. Small grocers are the middlemen that make local food and other by-products available to you every day of the week. They often sell value-added products such as cheese, jams, chocolates, marinated fish and meat, and other produce that may not be available at the wet market. At the very least, you’re making a statement to the big supermarkets that you wish to see more local options on their selections.
Eat at farm-to-table restaurants and cafes. You might find yourself paying a bit more when you opt to dine at farm-to-table food outlets but your purchase will help local farmers continue to provide food for their community, and more importantly, it won’t be induced with hormones, antibiotics, and GMOs. Another thing to consider as well is not just if it’s sustainably grown but also if it is observing fair trade. Fairtrade refers to the way workers are treated and not how the crops are grown. This makes your money’s worth more valuable.
Local isn’t just a fad or a niche, it’s an economic force. Be loyal, buy local. Support “support local” initiatives by the likes of Malagos Garden Resort and other Davao best resorts. I shop my fresh local produce from them via their online store Malagos Homegrown Produce. Delivery within Davao City is available!