March 13, 2020
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Rachel Keidan
We all need to eat, and eating (and sharing) good, local, nutritious food can go a long way in bolstering our health and peace of mind, while also contributing to the health and resiliency of our communities and economies.
Like many small businesses, Maine farms face uncertainty in the midst of this pandemic, which will surely have significant and lingering effects on our economy as consumers stay home to limit exposure. A pandemic reminds us that we’re all interconnected, and we’re all in this together. Supporting farms and other businesses that make up our local economies is key to our community resiliency in such times.
Stop by your local farm stands for a low-exposure way to stock up on local foods, or sign up for a CSA and pick up a full bounty without going to the grocery store. Check in with your farmers to see if you can buy products in bulk by stopping by their farm. Shop at your food coop or natural food store to get the best of what Maine has to offer in season, and seek out local products when you go to Hannaford or Shaws. Fill your freezer with meat, stock your pantry with dry beans and grains and syrup and more. Leave a box of veggies on your neighbor’s doorstep. Know that buying (and sharing!) local food is good for you, your loved ones, and your community, too.