SHOP LOCAL - Support Farmers
By: Ashley Fee
Shopping for fresh produce from local farmers not only benefits them, but you as well. It is a great way to have fresh and healthy foods in your kitchen while also lowering your regular grocery bills. Buying local produce also reduces the environmental impact that major food cultivation and transfer has and means you’ll be contributing to less sprawl, congestion, habitat loss, and pollution. Here are some easy ways you can offer your support while also stocking up on healthy goods!
Reading Terminal Market
Combine history and fresh foods at Reading Terminal Market! Here you can sip locally roasted coffee while you wander the busy aisles and experience Philly’s local fare and all types of cultural cuisines. Enjoy Amish specialties, fresh meat, fish or poultry, or grab a cannoli from Termini Brothers. Grab stool at the counter for Dinic’s Roast Pork – it was voted the best sandwich in America by the Travel Channel! Opened in 1892 and operating 7 days a week, get an authentic feel of what daily Philadelphia life is all about.
The Italian Market
In South Philly? Check out the Italian Market! Nestled on 9th street between Christian Street and Federal Street, this historic area began in the 19th century as Italian Immigrants began to settle here. The Italian Market features many grocery shops, butchers, cheese shops, coffee shops, bakeries, novelty shops, and many more! In more recent years, the area has continued to attract new immigrants as a significant number of Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, and Mexican-run shops have joined the Italian Market. This area plays a large role in the culture of Philadelphia even being featured in movies and television (Rocky runs right through it!). The Italian Market is open rain or shine 7 days a week 9am – 5pm (some store hours may vary).
CSA Programs
We understand that you may not have the time to search out local farmers or to drive out directly to them. Try checking out a local CSA that brings the produce to the city for you to pick up from select neighborhood locations. You can get cheese, eggs, and fresh flowers, too, among other locally grown items! Here is a list compiled by PhillyMag of CSA Programs in Philadelphia to try out!
Local Farmer’s Markets
Need vegetables now? Philadelphia has over 75 local farmer’s markets, so chances are there is one in your neighborhood! Shop for the freshest fruits, vegetables, honey, baked goods, flowers, ice cream, seasonal treats, and more! For a master list of locations and times of Philadelphia Farmers’ Markets CLICK HERE!
Originally published on November 13, 2018 by Ashley Fee for Real Estate With Heart