Dec 4

Dec 4 Why Eat Locally?

This month, Zest Wellness & Atlantic Medical Insurance hosted a very successful Farmer’s Market Tour & Workshop. The attendees toured around to various local food vendors, learned some new skills and had a lot of fun. Harbouring a strong community is a huge component of wellness. Did you know that buying local food can assist in building the community? Choosing local goods has more of an impact on your environment than you might think.

7 reasons to buy local:

Local produce is better for your health.
Local food preserves genetic diversity.
Local food supports local families and creates jobs.
Local food builds community.
Local food preserves open space.
Local food helps your local economy.
Local food supports a clean environment and benefits wildlife.

The tour started at Atlantic House on Collins Avenue and members were taken by bus to four different locations (BAIC, Field to Fork Farms, Chiccharney Farms and The Fresh Market) to view and purchase local produce, preservatives, and handmade goods. As part of the tour, members participated in two workshops. One workshop was teaching session on how to select produce and the other workshop not only taught them how to start a home garden but they were also given the tools (seed, soil, pots) to grow a variety of leafy greens at home.

What did Zest Wellness members learn at the workshop?

Where the Farmer’s Markets are located on the island and when they are open for business.
The quality of soil and growing techniques in The Bahamas.
How to identify conventional vs. organic fruits and vegetables.
How to sustain a garden at home or their office space.
The benefits of consuming locally grown produce to support health and reduce the onset of chronic diseases.
How lucrative it is to be a farmer with the growing demand for healthy produce.

Without our vendors the quality of education related to produce availability and growing techniques would be much harder to access. We feel very fortunate to have you in our community.