Support Local Farmers: Growing Your Community Roots

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Whether they sow acres of corn, tend a plot of tomatoes or graze 40 head of cattle, farmers are in the business of growing our food. Over the past few years, we have been urged to “know our farmer” or “buy local,” sometimes without even understanding why this might really be an important thing to do.

It all starts with the land. For a farmer, the land is her office. It’s where the crops are sown and tended. It’s where the chickens scratch and the cattle graze. The farmer’s commute is the length of the field row, the walk to the barn or the drive into town to buy a new tractor part.

The land is what ties the farmer to his or her community. The farmer puts down roots — literally and figuratively. When a farmer buys her land, she commits to living in the community surrounding her farm. She’ll send her kids to the local school, shop at local businesses, donate to area fundraisers or volunteer at community events. When you purchase her produce, you’re also investing in local schools, organizations and businesses, creating what experts call a “multiplier effect.” Your money is doing double duty!

When you support local farmers, you grow deep roots, strong communities and healthy people. At Lakewinds, we strive to make it easy for you to find the best food grown by local farmers. We meet many of these farmers in person, walk their land and watch how they care for their animals. Farmers like Jack McCann from True Cost Farm in Montrose, Minnesota, who supplies Lakewinds with sustainably raised heritage chicken. McCann, his wife Betsy and two children operate a small farm with big values. As they state on their website, “Our farming practices respect for life, land and the generations to come … our farm improves the soil, restores native Minnesota prairies and protects our lakes and streams.” Who knew a chicken almond sandwich could do so much good?

When you buy local meat, cheese, produce or bread at a co-op, your purchases make a positive impact. In fact, a 2012 study of the impact of food co-ops states that “by choosing to support and shop at a food co-op, a community can increase its total economic activity by $2.4 million a year.”[1] Wow. That chicken almond sandwich just keeps getting better, doesn’t it?

Not only do we partner with local farmers to provide you with wholesome, locally grown food, we make it easy for you know your farmer too. All it takes is a click and you can visit our producers’ page on our website, which highlights highlighting our local producers.

When you’re in stores, look for the local sign and discover other information about local farmers.