As we are navigating Covid-19 and trying to stay healthy, our farms and small businesses are trying to stay afloat. They are desperately needing our support, our business a helping hand as we move through this time together. What better time to support local? Just think…. nourishing produce, handmade products made with love, eggs & meat carefully cared for.
Eating seasonally & supporting local these two are near and dear to my heart and something I firmly believe in.
There is no better time than the present to find local farms, CSA shares and small businesses to support in your area. When you choose to support a local farm and/ or small business you are also gifting yourself with fresh, nutrient dense, peak ripeness foods. In this trying time we are all needing those extra nutrients, the highest quality foods to care of our stressed bodies and busy minds.
I personally can see and taste the difference in foods when they are sourced locally, grown naturally & eaten seasonally. Have you ever eaten a vine ripe tomato right out of the garden? Still warm from the summer sun? If you have, you know what I am talking about, if you haven’t put it on your bucketlist. IT IS LIFE CHANGING!
Ok…. Let us dive in to all the eating seasonally & supporting local resources!
I had so much fun researching and find amazing resources for you to be able to find local farms, farmers markets, CSA’s, etc near you! Be sure to make your way down the list & click to find locals to support in your area.
Why is eating local food important?
- Purchasing locally grown foods helps support local farms and maintains farmland and open space in your community.
- Local food supports the local economy. The money you spend on products from local farmers and growers stays in the community and is reinvested with other local businesses. In addition, food grown locally, processed locally and distributed locally (for example, to local restaurants) generates jobs and subsequently helps stimulate local economies.
- Local growers can tell you how the food was grown. When you buy directly from farmers, you have the opportunity to ask what practices they use to raise and harvest the crops. When you know where your food comes from and who grew it, you know a lot more about your food.
Get Real About Your Food
What is a FoodPrint?
“Whether it’s a salad, a hamburger or your morning egg sandwich, your meal has an impact on the environment and on the welfare of animals, food/farm workers and on public health.“
“Your “foodprint” is the result of everything it takes to get your food from the farm to your plate. Many of those processes are invisible to consumers.” “Industrial food production — including animal products like beef, pork, chicken and eggs and also crops — takes a tremendous toll on our soil, air and water, as well as on the workers and the surrounding communities.”
“Our aim is to pull back the curtain on the impacts of industrial food production practices and explain the benefits of more sustainable approaches to food production and consumption. We also want to help people raise their collective voices and take action to make real change in the food system.”
“Learn more about what a foodprint is and why you should care about yours here and in the video below.“
National Farmers Market Directory
Farmers markets are seriously one of my favorite things to attend. I love meeting the faces behind all of the gorgeous produce and products. To take a morning to leisurely stroll through the street of my little city and meet, greet and gather all the locally made, naturally grown and lovingly put together offerings. Furthermore, I’m counting down the days until I once again will be strolling with my basket in hand gathering all the food to eat and supporting local.
Eat Seasonally & Support Local 
Seasonal Food. 
Supporting Local!
Local Harvest
“There are almost two million farms in the USA. About 80% of those are small farms, and a large percentage are family owned. More and more of these farmers are now selling their products directly to the public. They do this via CSA programs, Farmers’ Markets, Food Coops, u-picks, farm stands, and other direct marketing channels. Would you like to support your local farmer? Use our map to find your farmer!“
“Large scale chemical agriculture is poisoning our soils and our water, and weakening our communities. By buying direct from a family farm you can help put a stop to this unfortunate trend. By buying organic produce from your local farmer, you are working to maintain a healthy environment, a vibrant community, and a strong and sustainable local economy for you and your kids to thrive in.” Eat Seasonally & Support Local.”
“Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a popular way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer. Here are the basics: a farmer offers a certain number of “shares” to the public. Typically the share consists of a box of vegetables, but other farm products may be included. Interested consumers purchase a share (aka a “membership” or a “subscription”) and in return receive a box (bag, basket) of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season.“
Edible Communities
Edible Communities celebrates local food, season by season, community by community. With a network of more than 90 independently-owned, locally-focused magazines across the U.S. and Canada, we are the largest media organization devoted to telling the stories and sustaining the efforts of the farmers, chefs, food artisans, fishers, vintners, and home cooks who feed us.”
Knowing where your food comes from is a powerful thing.
“In addition to our award-winning content, we help people experience the vibrant flavors of local communities via Edible events, podcasts, and travel guides, along with fresh, seasonal recipes, videos and more. We explore the issues impacting local food cultures and economies through thought leadership forums and conferences. We advocate for healthy, nourishing food traditions.“
Ok, now that we have you on your way to find your local farmers, CSA’s and markets I would like to do a little shameless shout out to those in my lovely state of Idaho.
I have been so impressed by the many incredible people leading the way & changing the way people are farming. It has been inspiring to say the least.
I also wanted to add that some of these farms ship to surrounding states so it would be worth your time to check them out, even if you don’t reside in Idaho.
Without further ado…
MCINTYRE PASTURES
I have had such a fun time working with and getting to know Maria. She is a wealth of information and such a lovely person. I personally have sourced meats, eggs, bones, etc from McIntyre Pastures & have a code for you to use to get $15 off your first order!
“We realized that life below ground was just as essential as life above. We started bringing more cows back on the land to help build soil and to utilize the refuse left through the no-tilling we had begun to do and believe in. Wanting to build the land the way nature has done it instead of with artificial fertilizers and pesticides.
Since that time, more cows are on the farm as well as pastured hogs and pastured chickens and turkeys, which follow in rotation behind the cattle. Pastured laying hens are the perfect ‘sanitizer’ to clean up flies and live the way nature intended, free to graze on lush pasture and build our soil’s health. We graze and grow cover crops, and never let our soil go “naked”. Rotating crops including grasses, forages, brassicas, peppermint and more. We educate and also sell the cover crop seeds that we grow right here with our animals rotating through our fields.”
HEN AND HARE MICROFARM WITH APIS
“Hen and Hare is a locally owned and operated microfarm in South Boise. We are Jess and Ammon-both with off-farm jobs. We hope our microfarm can inspire small-acreage owners to make the most of their land. It doesn’t take much to start producing even a little food for yourself, and with a little bit more you can produce food for a community. We have just two acres of pasture, garden and food forests, plus our home.”
APIS – Idaho-made herbal health and beauty
“Apis, an Idaho-based herbal health and beauty company, creates balms, salves, and beauty products that nourish your body naturally. Our products harness the healing power of herbs without the harsh chemicals and preservatives found in many commercial products.
Each formula is developed according to the unique healing properties of herbs and is handmade in small batches. We grow our herbs locally using organic methods, and organic ingredients are sourced whenever possible.
Apis strives to provide our community with natural products that are safe and effective, while being good to the environment. In our garden, Apis plants extra herbs and flowers for bees.“
PURPLE SAGE FARM
“Father and son team, Tim and Mike Sommer, are fourth and fifth generation Idaho farmers that work in the field and the farm’s commercial kitchen. Building healthy soil and growing good food are their passions. Talk to Jackie Sommer, Mike’s wife, to hear what’s new at the farm. Our seasonal product list changes by the day so she keeps restaurants and grocers up to date on what’s ready for your plate. “
“Each member of the Sommer family helps to support the farm, from marketing, to IT support, to doctoring lambs, or repairing a farm truck. A full day of harvesting basil, hoeing weeds in the arugula and seeding a cover crop of buckwheat isn’t over until they’ve cooked and eaten a pesto-crusted leg of lamb, roasted rosemary potatoes and a fresh spicy mustard greens salad. We work in the community to promote organic agriculture by mentoring new farmers, speaking at organic farming conferences, and serving on the board of directors for our local farmers market and producer cooperative. Purple Sage Farms is an award winning family farm, recognized for persistent and long-term advocacy for Idaho’s locally and organically grown food system.“
MEADOW LARK FARM
“Meadowlark Farm has been raising and selling grass-fed lamb and pastured poultry to discriminating eaters in southwest Idaho and eastern Oregon for over 29 years. We are proud to be a part of the Boise Farmers Market.”
“You’ll find us in downtown Boise on Saturday mornings starting in April and going until Christmas. If you want to purchase your food locally, directly from the farmer who grew it in a lovely market atmosphere, the Boise Farmers Market is for you.”
NEXT GENERATION ORGANICS
CERTIFIED ORGANIC PLANTS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS! Cold hardy plants and extra early tomatoes available now. Watch for the full selection of hot crops in early May.
In an effort to keep our community as healthy as possible, this year we will be doing plant sales online for pick-up. Plants can be picked up on the farm in Homedale on Tuesdays beginning 4/7 or at the Boise Farmer’s Market lot on Saturdays beginning 4/4.
PEACEFUL BELLY
“The gate keepers of Sunny Slope. Our 35-acre ecologically regenerative urban farm is also a CSA Program (Community Supported Agriculture.) Our certified organic vegetables support 160 CSA members, The Boise Farmers Market, the Boise Co-op, Idaho’s Bounty and local restaurants.
At its heart, Peaceful Belly is a small family farm. We believe in genetic diversity, both domestic and wild. We grow over 180 types of vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers, and berries. Our food is grown organically and is certified organic by the State of Idaho.
We can’t do what we do without our community. It takes community support to produce veggies the way that Peaceful Belly does. We work hard to connect consumers with the people who produce their food. We strive to help create a better community not only with what we produce but also through our educational and outreach programs and partnerships. Our goal is to ensure that our food can be enjoyed by all social classes.“
FIDDLER’S GREEN FARM
“Fiddler’s Green Farm is a small, diverse, Certified Organic farm located in the Dry Creek Valley just outside of Boise, Idaho. We grow a wide array of vegetables and cut flowers for local markets. We believe in building community through people’s connection with food. You can find our products at The Boise Farmers Market, the Boise Co-op, and several local restaurants.
Why is the CSA a good option during the COVID-19 outbreak?
“The CSA is a great way to obtain fresh produce while helping to “flatten the curve” and avoid putting ourselves and others at risk of contracting COVID-19. Our produce is grown right here in the Treasure Valley. It is low-touch, low-mileage food. We are very aware of the importance of frequent hand washing and sanitization and none of our workers will come to work if they exhibit any signs of illness. The CSA shares will be individually boxed and placed at pickup locations where social distancing can easily be accomplished. All you will have to do is pick up the box with your name on it.
Your support will help us sustain local food security and build a robust local economy. Our primary goal in organic farming has always been to support a healthy local community through small-scale local agriculture. Your CSA share will help sustain our business so we can support our families while continuing to provide you with food to support your family as we all weather this public health crisis together.”
EARTHLY DELIGHTS
“Earthly Delights Farm is one of the oldest (perhaps THE oldest?!) farm in Boise city. Since 2004, we have led a raucous movement connect urban eaters with yummy food and seeds, and more broadly to the natural world around them. “
“Earthly Delights Farm is a good-timin’ small-scale urban farm in Northwest Boise offering high-quality veggies, fruits, herbs, seeds, and flowers to local Treasure Valley folks. For 2020, our produce is available through a Fall CSA subscription (see the CSA Program page for more information) and, back by popular demand, our Garden-in-a-Box program to help local gardeners grow their own with a selection of locally-grown plant starts and seeds and directions on how to cram as much as possible into a 4′ x 4′ garden box.”
We also co-founded and grow seeds for the Snake River Seed Cooperative.
SNAKE RIVER SEED COOPERATIVE
“Snake River Seed Co-op takes pride in offering a selection of top-of-the-line seeds grown using sustainable methods by family farmers in the Intermountain West. With every generation of seed being saved, our seed becomes more adapted to our region.”
“Snake River Seed Cooperative is a collective of family farmers in the Intermountain West who work together to produce a wide diversity of locally-adapted seeds. We believe that sharing seed saving knowledge with farmers in our region is vital to growing a robust, regional seedshed.”
BLACK FOX FARMS
“We aim to make fresh produce accessible to all families in our community. We’re established in the Dry Creek Valley just outside of Boise, ID.
My name is Joe Redden I’m a solo operated small scale farm. I practice only organic methods and never spray chemicals or pesticides. I got into to farming because I saw the need to strengthen my local community with highly nutritious food. My goal in farming is create healthy soils which in turn creates health produce.
Local food has many benefits like longer self life, higher nutrient density, and smaller carbon foot print just to name a few. Local Food is the greatest way to join this food revolution to bring connection back to your mind and body. Great food is the best medicine.“
WELL – WATERED FARMS
“We are Sammie and Kapree, best friends and nurses turned farmers. Well-watered farms was born out of two moms’ desire to pour into our family and community. By growing microgreens we are able to provide our families and neighbors with fresh, local produce year round. It gives our kids the opportunity to grow up knowing the importance of agriculture and how important farms (and farmers) are. Most of all we love being able to teach them about the goodness of the Lord, and how His sovereign hand sustains us with things as small (yet mighty) as microgreens. This business is an extension of the love we have for our families and we are so excited to be able to share it with all of you.“
What are Microgreens……
“These superfoods are not only nutritious, but they are also earth conscience. We grow these tiny greens in square feet instead of acres, requiring less space and less water (see our vertical farm in the picture below). Because of their size, microgreens generate less food waste during meal preparation and cooking. The growing medium we use, cococoir, is 100% natural and organic and we never use any harsh chemicals or pesticides. To top it all off, we deliver our greens in eco-friendly, biodegradable clamshells. From start to finish, we make sure that our business not only takes care of you, but also our earth.”
OHANA NO-TILL FARM
“Ohana No-Till Farm is committed to providing the Treasure Valley with quality produce through Boise Farmer’s Market, CSA Shares, and local restaurants. We are fulfilling these goals with sustainable farming methods. Through greenhouse, indoor growing, no-till farming, and sustainable practices, we are exploring a paradigm shift in farming that is changing the way we think about food.“
“No-Till Farming is a perma-culture method that promotes robust soil, allowing the soil to do the farming for us. This soil is capable of producing the most delicious and nutritious produce possible. We utilize worm castings and green compost for our fertilization methods. We do not spray for pests, opting instead to utilize integrated pest management. This form of pest control utilizes Mother Nature’s innate predator food chain to control pest population’s naturally.“
Boise Businesses who support & sell these farmer’s products!
- BOISE CO-OP – More than a grocery store, we are the unique local gathering place. We are real people; making community connections, providing education, delicious food and quality products from trusted partners.
- LARK & LARDER – a neighborhood market offering local and regional products from farmers, producers, artists and makers.
- ROOTS ZERO WASTE MARKET – Roots is a neighborhood grocery store and café offering healthy bulk foods, fruits & vegetables, Re-fillable household cleaning & personal care products. We also offer full service deli items and fresh prepared meals.
- VERVAIN COLLECTIVE – The Vervain Collective was formed to support the natural health community – the health conscious and the curious, the professionals, the growers, the makers, and the dabblers – as we collectively learn about and celebrate relationships with plants, minerals, fungi, microorganisms, and each other. We welcome people at all points in their journeys as they seek opportunities to meaningfully increase wellness and build a healthy, more connected community.
I hope you have enjoyed reading the many ways you can eat seasonally and support locals. My intention for this post was to help you find farms, CSA shares and small businesses to support. Secondly, to educate yourself on the many perks of eating seasonally and feel inspired to start this journey. Above all, I am always here to answer any questions, comments or concerns so please feel free to reach out!
