We know people who get between 40 and 50 percent of their groceries each week from within 30 miles of their house. Right in the heart of Natural Choices Vacation country.
It’s easy. Their first stop is to Cobblestone Valley Farm in Preble, where they pick up a few packages of grass-fed, organically raised beef. Or maybe they’ll buy half a pig, with no-nitrate sausage and smoked bacon. In the spring, they’ll pick strawberries there.
From there, they’ll head south to Marathon, where they get European style sheep’s milk cheeses from Northland Sheep Dairy. And maybe they’ll pick up some lamb chops of a bit of mutton.
They’ll head over the hills for a quick stop in Ithaca and its farmer’s market – which is as much a natural mall and gathering place with live music, prepared foods and Finger Lakes wine – as it is a place for local vegetables. Maybe they’ll browse at any number of locally oriented stores in the city.
And then they’ll head to their community-supported agriculture service just up the west side of Cayuga Lake.
Simple. Sometimes they’ll stop at Iron Kettle Farm in Candor or Crocker Creek Buffalo Farm in Owego for some variety, and a pleasant drive.
Either way, we’ve noticed our friends are gaining a bit of weight.
