Try a delectable butternut squash soup.
...using produce right off the Pennsylvania farm field.
At the Table
Nibble naturally! Organic farming treads lightly on the land. Food is grown without the excessive use of chemicals. The emphasis is placed on enriching the soil naturally to maintain healthy growing conditions. Livestock and poultry at organic farms typically enjoy larger, open spaces to live, feed, and graze. Water quality and wildlife benefit from the sustainable management practices on organic farms, plus, organically-grown foods may be more nutritious. Reap more information about organic agriculture and the benefits of organic foods at the web site of the Organic Trade Association.
Purchase local products! Much of our food comes from great distances and the energy consumed in the shipping process adds to pollution and global warming. Local foods come from close by and are likely much fresher than similar products from California, South America, or elsewhere afar. Locate organic farms which grow and sell food in your area.
Find fresher foods! The Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture, or PASA , is marketing a Buy Fresh Buy Local campaign to promote area farmer’s markets, stores, community-supported agriculture programs (CSA’s), and other partners supporting local agriculture. Find providers near you.
Seek sustainable seafood! Many species of fish and shellfish are severely overfished with serious impacts to the world’s oceans and estuaries and, ultimately, people. While “farmed” fish are a good choice in some cases, there are detrimental practices affiliated with raising certain species. For example, most of the world’s shrimp come from ponds that have been created by destroying critical coastal mangrove forests. A great guide to good seafood choices.
© 2007 Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources