By Stephen Ornes

Where to Find Local Foods

By Stephen Ornes

How far do you have to go to get local food? Different farms and companies define it differently, but the 2008 Farm Act says locally grown food must come from either the same state in which it is purchased, or it must travel less than 400 miles.

Use these resources to find local food in your area:

• FARM STANDS. Often found on the side of the road in rural areas, farm stands offer the opportunity to buy locally and to ask the farmer about growing conditions.

• FARMERS' MARKETS. The U.S Department of Agriculture reports that the number of farmers’ markets in the United States tripled between 1994 and 2009. The website www.localharvest.org is a good place to find them.

• COMMUNITY-SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE. Many small farms stay afloat by selling shares of the year’s harvest. Members usually pay a flat fee for the growing season and receive weekly bundles of farm-grown or farm-raised food. Check out www.localharvest.org to identify one near you.

• GROW A GARDEN. Get ultralocal by growing food in your own backyard.

• GROCERY STORES. Many grocery stores now support local agriculture by selling produce and meat from nearby farms. Check the labels or ask an employee where the food originated.