Caitlin's Story
"It's Easy to Find and Buy Local Food Here in Western New York."
What you eat and where it comes from matters to our WNY community - supporting our local farms and food producers keeps our neighbors and neighborhoods strong and sustainable.
For consumers like Caitlin of Buffalo, knowing where and how to find local food is the first step to more responsible, sustainable eating and buying habits.
“I seek out local food at the farm shop downtown. I will go to bakeries that I know are sourcing local ingredients. I buy my food local through a delivery service called FreshFix. I go to Kelkenberg Farm, Greg’s U-Pick, Thorpe’s Organic Family Farm, Root Down Farm. I’ll go to urban farms as well. I even buy local food in the winter!”
Local food is abundant in Western New York. In the warmer months, usually May through October, nearly all of our communities have farmers markets where neighbors can gather to shop, eat, and support these crucial businesses. Some farms and farm stands, such as Thorpe’s and the Farm Shop, are open year round offering stored potatoes, onions, root vegetables, eggs, dairy, and more. Local producers, such as Savage Wheat, offer their goods year round through these local retailers.
“Supporting local farms and local producers is instrumental in supporting our community. We need to take advantage of the fact that we live in an area that can sustain growth of really nutritious produce!” says Monica of Buffalo, another avid local food consumer.
“I'm investing in the farmers who are at the market selling their products right now, but I'm also investing in a future where that's possible,” Caitlin says.
Intentionally buying local food is the best way to support your WNY farmers and food producers. Check out the local food resources on our home page, and take the Eat Local WNY Food Pledge to do your part!
