Most of us don’t have the time to take it slow these days, but that doesn’t mean we have to settle for fast food. Eating local can be for everyone with some planning and practice! So how do we make our time (and $$$) go further while supporting local agriculture and small businesses? Try these 3 practical tips for meal prep and on-the-go snacks:
1. Always pack a snack.
It’s tempting to think that as an adults we’re impervious to snack attacks — but those cash register impulse buys start to add up. Try packing fresh fruit or nut mixes to beat the mid-day munchies. Adding an exciting new find from DFM vendors will give you something to be excited about when you reach for a pick-me-up!
2. FIFO (First in, first out)
This restaurant industry wisdom will keep your produce looking as fresh as the farmers market on Saturday morning! Have a plan to use up the food in your kitchen before purchasing more. It’s tempting to dig right into that new flavor of goat cheese, but first make sure to use up last week’s feta. This helps cut down on food waste and costs. Feeling a little overwhelmed with produce? Try a catch-all recipe like stir fry or soup to use up food that might be past its prime.
3. A little goes a long way.
A well stocked kitchen is a beautiful thing! But all that food has a best-by date. Keep in mind the size of your family (and your appetite) before taking home a bushel of squash and a bakers dozen of muffins. Having a weekly meal plan in mind is a great place to start for portion control. When it comes to shopping with local farmers, you can always ask for smaller portions if you know a basket of tomatoes will be too many for you and your cat.
