Why Buy Local? - A Collaborative Research Project
Project Abstract
For the purpose of this project our research question formed itself into Why Buy Local? through our research we have learned that there are a few key reasons to buy local and some benefits that come from buying local. We conducted four primary interviews for our documentary based project, the people we interviewed were; the Kirby family, who owns and operates the Kirby Brothers Feed Store in Medford, New Jersey, John Stolfzfus, produce manager of the Landis Marketplace in Vineland, New Jersey, Dr. Leslie Spencer, coordinator of the Health Promotion and Fitness Management program at Rowan University, and last but not least Shannon Higginbotham of Cheyenne's Road Market in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey. We also supplemented these interviews with some short comical pieces featuring ourselves, and some street interviews with Rowan University students on whether or not they eat local and why or why not they do so. From these interviews we have learned that taste is a big factor for consumers in our area to choose local, another contributing factor are the clear nutritional benefits of eating locally grown food that is allowed to ripen to maturity on the farm, another big factor of buying local are the economic benefits of buying local and keeping money in the community, and arguable the biggest reason for choosing to buy local foods is the factor of accountability that forces farmers and growers to stand by their products and right the customer if the feel something is wrong. From these factors we have concluded that if local and sustainable foods are available from a farmer that is willing to be held accountable for their farming practices and stand behind their product than it is a no brainer. Hopefully you feel the same after watching our documentary below.
Conclusion
Our project revolving around local and organic food yielded great results. Through our research and interviews we found out that eating locally and sustainably, even if it is not organic, does have it's benefits. While it is not always the easiest choice to make, it is one that with time and patience can result in actual health rewards. We learned that the benefits go beyond just health and include taste, the factor of accountability, keeping money in the community, and the knowledge that you can track the path of your food, from the field to your table. We feel that if you are willing to embrace the lifestyle of eating, and living, locally and sustainably that you too will see that it is truly the way to go. Being a conscious consumer and demanding the freshest and best products available will not only improve your life, but the lives of others in your community. If we do not demand local and sustainable foods that the powers that be will never supply us with them. So get out there and live locally!