Rising food prices - why don’t more people shop local?

[Anonymous]

With all the complaints about rising food prices, especially with eggs, milk, and produce, why don’t more people shop local farms?

I buy all of the above from local farms and have not seen a price increase in years - plus the quality is much better, the packing less wasteful (glass bottles milk, no plastic packing for produce), and you get to support local businesses and community agriculture.

What am I missing?

[Anonymous]

Where do you pick up from? Our local farmers market is good but the prices are more than the grocery stores.

We mostly buy eggs, milk, etc from Costco so the prices are still ok.

[Anonymous]

How do I find my local farm that will sell directly to me? I am not in the DMV area and I don't even have a farmer's market I can go to. But any tips on finding a farm that will sell direct is greatly appreciated!

[Anonymous]

In the DMV I get home delivery from South Mountain Creamery and do a year- round produce CSA. (This is OP)

For other areas, do a google search for CSAs and your city name.

[Anonymous]

I think what you are missing is that many of us live in urban areas so local farms aren’t very convenient. And at least at my farmers market the prices are very high - it’s always been a luxury to shop there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In the DMV I get home delivery from South Mountain Creamery and do a year- round produce CSA. (This is OP)

For other areas, do a google search for CSAs and your city name.

I just took a look at their website since you got me interested. 5lbs of chicken is $51! I can get one pound of chicken for $1.99 at Harris Teeter. Also their milk is more expensive than at the grocery store. So in your OP you whine about how people don’t shop local to save money/ help the environment but really, this local company is super expensive.

When eggs are too expensive for me, we don’t buy them.

[Anonymous]

What’s being grown around here right now? Nothing.

[Anonymous]

Because driving to Davidsonville is a chore, and my time is worth more $ than making a separate trek for some eggs. No need to waste gas money when I can stock up on everything in one place. If I happen to be driving out that way for a pediatrician appointment or whatnot, maybe. But usually they have a wait list of regular clients and can’t serve everyone.

[Anonymous]

I just looked at two of local farm stores in my area:

Cheapest 1/2 gallon of milk
Farm: 3.75
Walmart this morning: 1.68

Cheapest dozen eggs
Farm:: 6.79
Walmart: 5.49

Butter 1lb
farm: 6.69
Pricerite: 3.99

I agree that the farm has better quality products, but for me it wouldn't be responsible to spend that much extra on groceries.

[Anonymous]

Are you clueless? “Local” farms charge way more than generic grocery store eggs, milk, meat.

[Anonymous]

Our local farms and farmers markets are by FAR more expensive than the grocery store.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think what you are missing is that many of us live in urban areas so local farms aren’t very convenient. And at least at my farmers market the prices are very high - it’s always been a luxury to shop there.

+2. First off, even with the higher egg prices, local farms still cost more ($5/dozen minimum).

Second, the farm markets have very limited hours compared to grocery stores - e.g. the downtown one is ONLY Sunday mornings, and I go to church. I'm in Frederick and could get to farms to buy in person in under 30 minutes, but with multiple kids and working parents that's not a great use of time or gas.

I've always loved the idea of CSAs and there are dairy/egg CSA options with delivery here, but unfortunately they don't fit our budget. Maybe someday.

[Anonymous]

We are part of a half year CSA through a local farm (Lost Corner Farm) that ends up being a better deal than the store, but that’s comparing it to grocery store organic prices. I sometimes buy eggs from our local farm stand (we are in Leesburg, so have access to some good ones). Prices are comparable to the organic/free range eggs at the store. Locks milk is way more expensive and we go through a lot, so I’ve stopped buying the local stuff. Can’t best local freshness and quality, but we just can’t afford it.

I find that the farm / farmers’ market prices cannot beat grocery prices if you’re looking at conventional vs. organic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In the DMV I get home delivery from South Mountain Creamery and do a year- round produce CSA. (This is OP)

For other areas, do a google search for CSAs and your city name.

Wait, you are claiming that SMC is *cheaper* than other grocery options? That's absurd. We ordered it for years, and finally gave it up because it became affordable (or at least irresponsible).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In the DMV I get home delivery from South Mountain Creamery and do a year- round produce CSA. (This is OP)

For other areas, do a google search for CSAs and your city name.

Wait, you are claiming that SMC is *cheaper* than other grocery options? That's absurd. We ordered it for years, and finally gave it up because it became affordable (or at least irresponsible).

unaffordable, obviously.