By Jessica A. Schreck, RD CDN
Local Eating Resources
I often search the web for local farms and markets in order to eat seasonally and locally. The Long Island Farm Bureau is an excellent resource. There are so many reasons to support local agriculture, other than the nutritional benefits of eating food picked at peak harvest. Many of you may see the “Grown on LI” logo at local farm stands, an initiative of the LIFB to promote local eating.
This website includes delicious and healthy recipes, as well as gardening tips. It also has an “ask a farmer” section. The website informs you of the availability of farms, stands, and markets in your area. While there isn’t much winter produce to choose from, there are local oyster, dairy, and poultry farms that you can patronize. Be sure to check out the “Did You Know” section which has some insightful facts about Long Island agriculture.
DID YOU KNOW?
Long Island has more than 60% of the greenhouse and nursery production in New York State.
Long Island has more than 30,000 acres of agricultural production, one-half of which is preserved and protected.
New York ranked third in the nation (behind California and Washington) in grape production for wine and juice.
New York ranked fourth in the U.S. in sweet corn and pumpkin production in 2007.
Source www.LIFB.com
Jessica Schreck is a Registered Dietitian and Family Health Educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County’s Family Health and Wellness Program. She can be reached at 631-727-7850 ext. 342 or at jas945@cornell.edu