The Hunt for Healthy Food: Good Things, and Where to Find Them

In the food business, there is something called “procurement” – and there are people whose whole careers are devoted it. The person who finds and buys (hopefully the best) food at the best prices has a very important job. That’s because a kitchen can’t run without food!

At home, your kitchen won’t run without food - and neither will you. It makes sense that procurement is the MOST important step to eating well.  A well-stocked kitchen makes the difference between delicious and mediocre at mealtime. But where to find all the goodness you crave at affordable prices?

I’m lucky enough to live in a large urban area with a huge indoor farmer’s market nearby – Your Dekalb Farmer’s Market – overflowing with fresh produce, meat, dairy, bread and bulk dry goods.  Within five miles, I can also shop at ethnic markets, Whole Foods, a food co-op, several weekly local farmer’s markets, and a variety of small specialty shops, not to mention some of the area’s largest grocery chain stores.

If you don’t live close to good food sources, you might have to be a little more creative. In this post, I will suggest places to find good, healthy and economical food, besides your local chain grocery store.   

Grow Your Own

It does not have to be a huge time commitment or take up a lot of space. You would be surprised at how much it helps to have a few pots of herbs, a tomato plant or a few containers of lettuce. Or, join (or start) a community gardening project, and connect with other folks who grow their own. Swap veggies, make friends.

Local Farms

Many small, local farms have a CSA program. CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture.  It’s basically a program where you subscribe to the farm for a period of time by paying up front for a certain amount of produce, meat and/or dairy products. Just put "local CSA" in your search engine.

Local Farmer’s Markets

Even small communities are jumping on the bandwagon with farmer’s markets, some which sell all year long. No farmer’s market in your area? Start one. Find local farmers at www.localharvest.org   Also, look for your nearest State Farmer’s Market. There, you’ll find farmers and vendors who sell fresh produce and local specialties.

Amish Markets, Produce Stands, Independent Health Food Stores,

Natural Foods Co-Ops, Ethnic Markets

Most communities have independent stores of some kind – and the little guys sometimes have great deals on things you can’t get elsewhere. For example, many independent stores sell in bulk, which is great for your kitchen, your health and your wallet - think: dried beans, whole grains, nuts, seeds, spices and more; and, I find that the Indian market near my house has the best buy on Extra Virgin Olive Oil in the 3 liter tin.

If there is a source for good food within a couple hours drive, you might make a once-a-month trip to stock up. When I lived in South Georgia, my family and I would often drive two hours north to Atlanta to stock up on essentials. Planning makes this type of excursion worthwhile – make your meal plans and grocery lists, and share the trip with a friend or family member to defray the cost.  Plus it’s fun!

Happy hunting!