When I went to high school in northern Michigan, there was a take out restaurant of a national franchise. This particular location refused to buy food products from the chain but chose to buy most everything from local farmers. People who visited from other places would mention that the food tasted better and different from others that were franchises of the same company.
Eventually, the heads of the franchise learned that the owner who wasn’t buying his food products from them but only paper cups, wrappers and napkins. They offered him an ultimatum to buy food products from them or leave. The owner who bravely chose the latter which the community he is in supported him to this day.
He’s still in business today.
In north Texas, there’s a group of restaurants that locally source as much as possible from local farmers and ranchers who they proudly list at each restaurant. The food that is in season and is available determines what is served on the menu with some creativity that helps make it unique.
The main benefit of locally sourced farm to table is that the plants and the animals are drinking the same water and breathing the same air as the local population thus healthy returns. Short travel means likely fresher products.
As you visit your local favorite restaurant, please ask those who are serving if they’re locally sourcing products from farmers and other vendors in the area.
Eat well my friends.
Leslie Elizabeth David.
The Magnificent Modern Mature Woman 