Join Jean as she chats it up with Amanda Shreve, Executive Director for the Michigan Farmers Market Association.
During the month of May Jean will be focusing on local food and how to source it, along with talking to professionals in the industry who fight the good fight advocating for fair food. Jean couldn’t think of a better organization to include than MIFMA~ Michigan Farmers Market Association and its wonderful Director, Amanda Shreve!
Amanda has been part of the MIFMA team since November 2009. She says, “I am passionate about connecting the public with agriculture and growing awareness of what it takes to produce our food supply in a safe, equitable and environmentally sustainable way. I recognize that farmers markets are a very visible and tangible way to establish, maintain and grow this connection.”
Amanda obtained her Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from Michigan State University. She enjoys floral design, gardening, and spending time with her husband and two dogs.
Mission: MIFMA places equity at the forefront of supporting the viability of community-driven marketplaces so that they can connect ALL consumers to local farms and businesses.
Vision: MIFMA places farmers markets at the forefront of the local food movement and works to ensure all residents have access to healthy, locally grown food and that Michigan farmers markets receive policy support.”
Join Jean each week as she chats it up about gardening, cooking, organizational tips & tricks, chatting about healthy lifestyles, and of course having conversations with incredible entrepreneurs!
I am a huge advocate for supporting local businesses. You will see me out & about every week posting about a local business wherever I go. As an entrepreneur, I completely understand the importance of small businesses supporting one another!
It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on businesses globally. Small businesses, in particular, have been hit hard, and many have had to close their doors permanently. This has left many communities without the local businesses that they rely on for goods and services.
Supporting local businesses is more important than ever before. When we shop locally, we’re not only supporting the local economy, but we’re also creating jobs and promoting a sense of community. The 3/50 Project is a simple yet powerful initiative that encourages consumers to support their local businesses by spending $50 at three local businesses each month. In this article, we’ll explore why supporting local businesses is so important and take a closer look at the 3/50 Project.
This is Jacob & Lizzie, and they are the Owners of The Dearborn Shop. They started out as vendors of mine at The Dearborn Farmers & Artisans Market back in 2020. Now, with the support of the local community and other entrepreneurs, they were able to open this beautiful shop up in the heart of West Dearborn, Michigan. They help support other entrepreneurs by offering goods crafted by several other small business owners… including me! You can find my cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats and Treats in this beautiful shop. Be sure to tell ’em Jean sent you!
The Importance of Supporting Local Businesses
There are many reasons why supporting local businesses is essential. Firstly, when we shop locally, we’re supporting the local economy. When we spend money at a local business, that money stays within the community, creating a ripple effect that benefits everyone. Local businesses are also more likely to source their goods and services from other local businesses, further boosting the local economy.
Secondly, supporting local businesses helps create jobs. Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, and when they thrive, they create jobs for local people. By supporting local businesses, we’re helping to create jobs and keep our communities strong.
Finally, shopping locally promotes a sense of community. Local businesses are owned and operated by people who live in the community. When we shop locally, we’re supporting our neighbors and helping to create a sense of community pride. Local businesses also often support community initiatives, such as local sports teams or charities, helping to strengthen the fabric of the community.
How the 3/50 Project Works
The 3/50 Project is a simple initiative that encourages consumers to support their local businesses. The idea is to spend $50 at three local businesses each month. This may not sound like a lot, but it can make a significant difference to small businesses.
To get involved in the 3/50 Project, all you need to do is choose three local businesses that you want to support. It could be your favorite coffee shop, a local boutique, or a family-owned restaurant. The idea is to spend $50 across these three businesses each month. You can choose different businesses each month or stick with the same ones.
The 3/50 Project has a website where you can find local businesses to support. You can search by zip code or city and find a list of participating businesses in your area. You can also use social media to share your support for local businesses and encourage others to get involved.
The Impact of Supporting Local Businesses
The impact of supporting local businesses is significant. When we shop locally, we’re helping to create jobs, boost the local economy, and promote a sense of community. Here are some stats and facts that demonstrate the impact of supporting local businesses:
For every $100 spent at a local business, $68 stays in the local economy, compared to $43 for non-local businesses.
Small businesses create two out of every three new jobs in the United States.
Local businesses are more likely to support local charities and community initiatives.
Shopping locally reduces the environmental impact of transportation and shipping.
By supporting local businesses, we’re not only helping to keep our communities strong, but we’re also making a positive impact on the environment and society as a whole.
Getting involved in the 3/50 Project is easy. All you need to do is choose three local businesses that you want to support and spend $50 across these businesses each month. You can find participating businesses on the 3/50 Project website or by searching on social media.
You can also encourage others to get involved. Share your support for local businesses on social media and encourage your friends and family to do the same. You can also leave positive reviews for local businesses online, which can help attract new customers and support the local economy.
Join me at my Monthly Classes at this beautiful & historic greenhouse & garden center.
You can also purchase my cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats and Treats in their beautiful gift shop as well!
Other Ways to Support Local Businesses
While the 3/50 Project is a great way to support local businesses, there are other ways to get involved. Here are some additional ways to support local businesses:
Shop at farmers’ markets or local craft fairs.
Use local service providers, such as accountants, lawyers, and contractors.
Buy gift cards for local businesses to give as gifts or use later.
Leave positive reviews for local businesses on Yelp or other review sites.
Attend local events and festivals.
By supporting local businesses in these additional ways, we’re helping to create a thriving local economy and a strong sense of community.
There are many benefits to supporting local businesses. Here are just a few:
Local businesses create jobs and boost the local economy.
Shopping locally reduces the environmental impact of transportation and shipping.
Local businesses often offer unique products and services that can’t be found elsewhere.
Supporting local businesses helps to create a sense of community pride and identity.
By supporting local businesses, we’re not only helping to create a strong local economy, but we’re also making a positive impact on the environment and society as a whole.
While supporting local businesses is crucial, it’s not always easy. Small businesses face many challenges, including competition from larger corporations, rising costs, and changing consumer habits. The COVID-19 pandemic has only made these challenges more significant, with many businesses struggling to stay afloat.
As consumers, we can help by supporting local businesses whenever possible. If we want to keep our communities vibrant and thriving, we need to make a conscious effort to shop locally and support small businesses.
I certainly hope you are encouraged to garden. Even if you start with only two or three of these things, that’s a great start!
Supporting local businesses is more important than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on small businesses, and many have had to close their doors permanently. However, by supporting local businesses, we can help to create jobs, boost the local economy, and promote a sense of community.
The 3/50 Project is a simple yet powerful initiative that encourages consumers to support their local businesses by spending $50 at three local businesses each month. By getting involved in the 3/50 Project and supporting local businesses in other ways, we can make a real difference to our communities.
So, the next time you’re thinking about making a purchase, consider shopping locally. By doing so, you’re not only supporting your community, but you’re also making a positive impact on society as a whole. Together, we can create a strong and thriving local economy that benefits everyone.
Other great Local Resources:~Edible WOW Magazine: This is one of the best resources out there for Southwest Michigan www.ediblewow.com
~Edible Communities: web site to direct you to an Edible publication in your area www.ediblecommunities.com
~Local Harvest: list of producers in every state www.localharvest.org ~Google Farmers Markets to find local ones in your area ~Local Dirt: listing for producers www.localdirt.com There are gobs more out there and thanks to the internet you can find just about anything you want LOCALLY!
Dave & I at L.A. Café getting breakfast & some cool gifts!
If you enjoyed this blog , please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!
If you aren’t following me on Facebook or Instagram, go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!
Until next time friends, eat fresh, shop local, & have a happy day, Jean
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If there is one thing I’m passionate about, it’s local food & farmers markets! I was a farmer for almost 15 years, and most of that time a farmers market vendor. I know what it’s like to be on both sides of the table~ as a vendor, and a market manager.
My heart is most at home in the garden & the farmers markets. Today I will talk to you about my heart felt desire to inspire every person to shop at the farmers market. When you do you are supporting local producers, your local economy, help the sustainability of farmland, and so much more!
Maybe you’ve even been contemplating becoming a market vendor! Do you create, bake, grow, or develop something? Well, a farmers market might be your first step to a successful business start up. Farmers markets are great starting points for local entrepreneurs!
I want this podcast to inspire you… please let me know in the comments below if I did!
Join Jean each week as she chats it up about gardening, cooking, organizational tips & tricks, chatting about healthy lifestyles, and of course having conversations with incredible entrepreneurs!
If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!
If you aren’t following me on Facebook & Instagram, go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!
Be sure to eat fresh, shop local, & have a happy day!
Jean
Copyright Policy
All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content
“The first gatherings of the garden in May of salads, radishes, and herbs made me feel like a mother about her baby ― how could anything so beautiful be mine. And this emotion of wonder filled me for each vegetable as it was gathered every year. There is nothing that is comparable to it, as satisfactory or as thrilling, as gathering the vegetables one has grown.” ― Alice B. Toklas
As we see an uptick in farmers market attendance and folks growing their own food, there seems to be a bit of hope. If you are like me, someone who both grows some of my own food, and shops at local markets, then you understand the gratification that comes with it. You know you are supporting local growers and family owned farms, on top of the incredible satisfactions of going out to your garden and picking a fresh tomato or cucumber.
I really became aware of the food anonymity as a market vendor. So often people would come and have no idea that potatoes grew in the ground, or peas developed in a shell. It can actually be a bit disturbing. I made it my mission to not only sell food back when I had my farm, I was committed to educating people on where their food was coming from as well.
Food is an essential part of our daily lives. It fuels our bodies, satisfies our taste buds, and brings us together in shared experiences. But how often do we consider where our food comes from, who produced it, and under what conditions it was grown or raised? Unfortunately, the answer for many of us is rarely, if ever. The food industry is one of the least transparent industries in the world, with little to no regulation or oversight in many areas. This lack of transparency has significant implications for consumers, from health concerns to ethical and environmental issues. In today’s blog, I want to explore the impact of food anonymity on consumers, that means US, & the ways in which we can break free from the chains of ignorance and demand change.
First, What is food anonymity?
Food anonymity is the term used to describe the lack of transparency in the food industry. It refers to the fact that we, the consumers, often have no idea where our food comes from, who produced it, or under what conditions it was grown or raised. The supply chain for food is long and complex, with many different players involved, from farmers and producers to distributors and retailers. This complexity makes it difficult for consumers to trace the origins of their food and to hold companies accountable for their actions.
The issue of food anonymity is compounded by the fact that many companies engage in unethical and unsustainable practices in order to cut costs and increase profits. For example, some companies use harmful pesticides and other chemicals in their farming practices, which can have negative impacts on both human health and the environment. Others engage in animal cruelty, such as keeping animals in cramped and unsanitary conditions or using inhumane slaughtering methods. These are what generally are referred to as CAFO’s or Confined Animal Feedlot Operations.
Friends, I’ve stood in some of these and believe me when I say, you would not be able to eat the meat you purchase in the grocery stores if you did. That is why I have always been so adamant about knowing your farmer & producer! These practices are often hidden from consumers, who have no way of knowing what they are supporting when they buy certain products.
The impact of food anonymity on consumers
The impact of food anonymity on consumers is significant. When we don’t know where our food comes from or how it was produced, we are at risk for a number of health concerns. For example, many companies use additives and preservatives in their products, which can be harmful to our bodies over time. Additionally, the use of pesticides and other chemicals in farming can lead to contamination of our food, putting us at risk for illness and disease.
But the impact of food anonymity goes beyond just health concerns. It also has ethical and environmental implications. When companies engage in unethical practices, such as animal cruelty or unsustainable farming practices, they are contributing to a system that is harmful to both animals and the environment. By supporting these companies, consumers are indirectly contributing to these issues as well. Furthermore, the lack of transparency in the industry means that consumers have no way of knowing whether the food they are buying was produced in an ethical and sustainable way.
The dangers of food anonymity
The dangers of food anonymity are many. As mentioned, the lack of transparency in the industry can lead to health concerns, ethical issues, and environmental problems. But there are also economic implications as well. When companies engage in unethical practices in order to cut costs and increase profits, they are often doing so at the expense of their workers, who may be underpaid or subjected to unsafe working conditions.
Additionally, the lack of transparency in the industry means that small-scale farmers and producers may be at a disadvantage, as they are unable to compete with larger companies who can produce food more cheaply and with less regard for ethical and sustainable practices.
How food labeling can help
One way to combat food anonymity is through better labeling practices. By requiring companies to provide more information about their products, consumers can make more informed choices about what they buy and eat. For example, labels can indicate whether a product was produced using organic or sustainable farming practices, or whether it contains any additives or preservatives. Labels can also provide information about the origin of the food, allowing consumers to make choices that support local farmers and producers.
While some companies may resist these labeling requirements, consumers have the power to demand change. By supporting companies that are transparent about their practices and advocating for better labeling practices, we can send a message to the food industry that we care about where our food comes from and how it was produced.
The power of consumer demand
Ultimately, the power to effect change in the food industry lies with consumers. By demanding more transparency and ethical practices from companies, we can create a more sustainable and just food system. This can take many forms, from supporting local farmers and producers to advocating for better labeling practices and more regulation in the industry.
One way to exercise our power as consumers is by choosing to buy products that align with our values. For example, we can choose to buy products that are produced using sustainable and ethical practices, or that support local farmers and producers. We can also support companies that are transparent about their practices and are committed to making positive changes in the industry.
How to empower yourself as a consumer
Empowering yourself as a consumer begins with education. By learning more about where your food comes from and how it was produced, you can make more informed choices about what you eat and buy. This can involve doing research on companies and products, reading labels, and educating yourself on ethical and sustainable farming practices.
Another way to empower yourself as a consumer is by supporting advocacy groups that are working to create positive change in the food industry. These groups can provide resources and information on issues related to food transparency and sustainability, and can help you connect with others who share your values and concerns.
Advocacy groups play an important role in the fight for food transparency and sustainability. These groups work to raise awareness about issues in the industry, advocate for better regulation and labeling practices, and support small-scale farmers and producers. By supporting these groups, consumers can help amplify their voices and make a difference in the industry.
The importance of transparency in the food industry
Transparency is key to creating a more ethical and sustainable food system. When companies are transparent about their practices and products, consumers can make more informed choices about what they buy and eat. Additionally, transparency can help to hold companies accountable for their actions and create a more level playing field for small-scale farmers and producers.
Breaking the chains of food anonymity requires action from all of us. By educating ourselves, supporting advocacy groups, and demanding change from companies and regulators, we can create a more transparent and ethical food system. This can involve making conscious choices about what we buy and eat, advocating for better labeling practices and regulation, and supporting small-scale farmers and producers. Together, we have the power to create a better future for ourselves, our communities, and our planet.
“Farmers markets are an integral part of the urban/farm linkage and have continued to rise in popularity, mostly due to the growing consumer interest in obtaining fresh products directly from the farm. Farmers markets allow consumers to have access to locally grown, farm fresh produce, enabling farmers the opportunity to develop a personal relationship with their customers, and cultivate consumer loyalty with the farmers who grow the produce.”
I certainly hope you are encouraged to garden. Even if you start with only two or three of these things, that’s a great start!
If you enjoyed this blog , please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!
If you aren’t following me on Facebook or Instagram, go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!
Until next time friends, eat fresh, shop local, & have a happy day, Jean
Copyright Policy
All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content.
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