Though I have no special plans for the weekend, which I'll spend writing, and teaching online, the fridge was empty and after teaching in Woodside ("over the hill from my Coastside home). Should I hit Trader Joe's or stop by the farmstands and local suppliers?
Not an easy question. I try to buy local and get my veggies and fish from the locals. I rarely hit the Safeway. But TJ's is filled with tempting goodies at affordable prices, all clearly labeled. I do like to buy products from developing countries to help people there. Fair trade when feasible. I think it is reasonable to split purchases between locally produced and imported from needy countries.
In the end, I decided to drive home and hit one of my favorite farmstands on Rt. 92. They have both organic and ordinary fruits and veggies at great prices. Fresh, no-spray peas at $6 for 3 pounds. Strawberries at $1.99, heirloom tomatoes at $3/lb. That's about half the price of Safeway and better than TJs. I would have picked up a salmon, but the season was canceled to preserve them and there is no local source. I grabbed some seafood (source: Oregon and Washington) and then went to a local bakery for some fine partially baked Artichoke-Garlic bread. Next a cheese shop that actually had some cheese and no annoying music, in this case I bought aa little Humboldt Fog, one of my local faves. Then I headed home on Rt. 1 and stopped at a local smokehouse for some goodies that are at least smoked locally.
I'm usually a Peet's guy for coffee, but we have a good local roaster within walking distance of my place.
Of course, I had these options because of where I live, near the agricultural town of Half Moon Bay. I get to see some of my food growing. But those of you without such access can still seek out a farmer's market or local grocer. There really is no reason to go to a supermarket, except to buy some things on sale. I rarely buy anything at Safeway unless it is at a heavy discount.
The point I'm trying to make is that you don't have to get radical about your food shopping, just think before you buy. Mix a variety of sources rather than just heading to the big box store every every week. Take advantage of bargains, but use what you save to get some nice fresh local items. When you drive past a farm stand, check it out.
I'll have a productive and tasty weekend. I hope you do too.