Local food tastes better because it has travelled less distance. The transport of food is responsible for more lorries on our roads than any other commodity. In addition, the further distance a food is transported the less fresh it is likely to be at the point of sale or use. Indeed, fruit and vegetables can be treated with chemicals and stored in artificially controlled conditions to stop them spoiling.
Buying local food provides a boost to the local economy. Your money goes straight to local producers helping to strengthen the local economy and create more local job opportunities.
Less packaging, less waste. At least a quarter of household waste is packaging, two thirds of which is from food. Food that is transported over distances requires more extensive packaging to protect it from damage and spoilage.
Save money. Fruit is, on average, 30% more expensive in supermarkets than in street markets (Food Commission, 1999).
Increased health benefits. As local fruit and vegetables tend to be fresher, they are more likely to contain higher levels of vitamins and minerals than 'travelled' food. Shopping locally also means that you can talk directly to food producers and find out how it was grown, when it was picked and any additional health benefits.

Here are some simple steps that you can take to help support the countryside, local producers and our rural economy:

Buy foods that are grown and processed locally whenever you can.
Use your local farmers markets or farm shops
Buy foods that are produced using methods which result in minimal harm to the environment.
Look for local produce when shopping in supermarkets or other stores.
Buy food in bulk, or with the least packaging, and recycle or compost packaging and food waste.
Try to eat foods that are in season. If in doubt, ask your local food producer.
Choose meats and dairy products that are local, organic and free-range. People often say that organic and free-range produce tastes better, although there is some debate over the evidence about nutritional values.