Debunking Myths on Eating Local in Gila Valley
Get eggs, produce and more from Out of the Way Farms.
Calling all Gila Valley locals! The time is ripe to join the local food movement and to start supporting local food producers! While switching up your shopping routines might feel slightly intimidating, this Eat Local Gila Valley Myth Busters Guide will answer any questions you might have as you start your local grocery shopping list for the week.
1.“I Don’t Know Where to Find Local Food!”
Step one of supporting local food producers in your community is knowing where to find them. Our Gila Valley page on goodfoodfinderaz.com/gilavalley will help you locate and access all the fresh and healthy food available near you. Seriously, not only will it be easy to track down the foods you’re looking for, but you might also discover some new goodies like Cakes With TLC’s Hot Chocolate Cake Jars! Local food lovers can also enjoy the convenience of supporting local food producers online with pickup at the Gila Valley Farmers Market website.
2. “I Don’t Think Buying Local Will Make Me Healthier.”
Honey from Smithville Farmhouse - sweet!
There are so many passionate food producers throughout the Gila Valley that want to serve their community as best as they can. When you shop locally, you can avoid a lot of the preservatives or unwanted additives found in big chain grocery stores. For example, you can swap in some locally-produced honey with no unwanted and unnecessary ingredients from Smithville Farmhouse or even combine some easy to cook pasture to plate meats with local veggies from the Gila Valley Farmer’s Market for a nutritious and quick dinner instead of a fast food night. While we’re chatting about the Farmers Market, don’t forget to pick up some fresh zucchini squash and a spiralizer to spruce up your Italian meals- or any pasta meal you might be planning!
3. “But, Buying Local is Expensive!”
Most Gila Valley residents might be surprised to find out that oftentimes eating local can be more affordable than the chain grocery stores. For example, Angle Orchard offers a tasty variety of apples and a fun u-pick experience for just 75 cents/lb. The locally grown apples are fresh, organic and cost less than the cheapest apples available at the chain stores, take Safeway prices for example, where apples average a whopping $2.02/lb. Residents can also find essentials such as locally produced eggs for as low as $3.50 a dozen. Shopping with local food producers and businesses also ensures that money you spend stays in your community and supports Gila Valley families like yours.
4. “I Can’t Find Everything I Need for My Family Recipes.”
This is the marinade that creates the delicious carne asada from Carter’s Custom Cuts!
The Gila Valley community is quite unique in its temperate climate that is truly ideal for growing and producing food. It is almost surprising how many options are available to the community- almost! Some of the many produce options you can locally swap into your recipes include okra, artichokes, peaches, and pumpkin. Don’t forget you can find locally produced bread, eggs, beef, goat milk, and tortillas throughout the Gila Valley too. If you are looking for the perfect combination, treat yourself to Mi Casa Tortilla Factory tortillas and some legendary ready to cook carne asada from Carter’s Custom Cuts!
The impact of shifting your support to local food producers and growers will be felt far beyond the initial purchase. You will help strengthen the Gila Valley as a whole as your local purchase keeps dollars flowing through the community and supports the families that support yours. Eat Local Gila Valley is as easy, delicious, and accessible as ever before.
What Gila Valley grown ingredients will you be swapping into your menu this week?
Let us know my sharing your #EatLocalGilaValley adventures with us on social media!