Should parents feed their kids organic or locally grown foods

(Borganic.org) Wegmans has announced their brand new blog. Its purpose is to "share our experiment with organic farming." It also provides news from local growers. A lot of the organic foods you find in Wegmans come straight from their organic farm near Canandaigua Lake.

This is community whose major supermarket retailer is dedicated to providing the community with fresh, nutritious, organic foods. There are also a plethora of farms dedicated to producing organic food: organic dairy farms, fruit farms, etc. However, organic produce can be hard on the wallet. Local farmers who do not farm organically provide wonderful, tasty and nutritious foods as well. NO consumer should feel bad about purchasing from their neighborhood farmer.

What exactly IS organic food?

Simply put, it is food that was grown without the assistance of chemicals or pesticides.

What qualifies as "locally grown" food?

Food that was harvested within a 50 to 100 mile radius from where you live.

Which is better for my family?

The debate is out on that. Some argue that local produce, even if not organically grown, holds onto more of its nutritional value because it is fresher. Also, the environmental impact of transporting food across the country is more significant than spraying crops with chemicals. Locally grown food tastes better and scientists have not proven that chemicals sprayed on crop have any negative long-term effects on people.

However, if it comes out that chemical and pesticides have long-term, negative side-effects, organic foods win hands down! In the meantime, what to feed your kids?

If you can afford it, buy local organic foods. If that just seems out of your price range, buy from your local farmer. Always wash your fruits and veggies thoroughly with water to remove chemical residue. If local consumers continue to buy from local farmers, they will have a greater impact on the local economy AND will have significant impact in help farmers decide to go organic.

It's strawberry season, people. Go buy some strawberries!!!

Further reading on the subject:

Wegmans Farm Blog

Eating Better than Organic

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