A Resolution to Shop Locally
by Nimh Willow
You may know that shopping locally is very important to keep our local economy healthy- and what better time of year to resolve to do more of our shopping locally than the new year! Take a look at where you shop throughout the year- is it big box stores? Online commerce platforms? Mom n’ Pop shops? Is there anywhere in your consumer web where you can make changes in favor of local businesses? Try being a “tourist” in your own town- walk the streets with a fresh set of eyes and discover all of the resources and bounty around you!
One way that can have a huge impact on local businesses is to seek out local food. There are so many reasons why locally produced food is better for you, the environment, and workers, and best of all, it means supporting your friends and neighbors! A good place to start would be to seek a local bakery to source your breads- the Belfast Community Co-op has a wide variety of breads and baked goodies from local bakeries, with a detailed list of which bakeries deliver on what days and where those bakeries are located.
Another way to introduce local foods into your diet would be to explore the local farmers’ markets! There you can find local producers of everything from cheeses to eggs, jams to tortillas, seasonal vegetables, hot foods, and more! Going to farmers’ markets is a great way to get to know your local food producers in person- learn their names and faces, where they grow, how they grow, and give them valuable feedback on their products.
Another way in which you can be more supportive of local businesses this year is to try to shop a little less online, and a little more in person. Online shopping can be convenient, but it doesn’t allow a customer to really consciously shop and get to know the products and producers. Next time you need to make a purchase, consider if there is a local shop or vendor that can provide that product, and make an effort to go and have the experience of shopping locally. Remember, when you choose to make a physical purchase, you’re supporting locals AND making a better choice for the environment. It’s a win-win!
And of course, a great way to get familiar with local businesses is to visit your local Co-op! Cooperative Principle #7 is “Concern for Community,” which means that your local co-op is doing its very best to source from and support local farms and businesses around you. You can find a wide variety of local soaps, snacks, produce, meats, dairy products, ferments, and more at your local co-op!
Supporting local businesses is a great New Year’s Resolution!
A lot of resources exist to help local consumers find their local food producers and artisans. Here’s just a few!
- Real Maine– which offers a directory of Maine farms, breweries, agrotourism, and more.
- Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership has a directory of all of the retailers that sell products from the farms they support.
- The Maine Fibershed is a great resource for anyone seeking yarns, fabrics, wool, fiber arts, farms, repair services, or other fiber-related products.
- Maine Fermentation Fair is an annual fair dedicated to showcasing local fermenters and their outstanding kimchis, krauts, tempeh, apple cider vinegar, and more. Their website has a list of many local producers.
During this busy time of the year, let us help with your shopping! Visit our website here to shop online. Don’t forget owners can also pre-order large quantities of regularly stocked items at a discounted price to prepare for all of the wonderful holiday baking and entertaining! Save time and extra trips to the store! Email info@belfast.coop for more info.
Everyone is welcome to shop at the Co-op; it is our mission and our pleasure to bring locally-sourced, reasonably priced, organic and natural products to all.
Owned by you. Food for all.