‘Eat local’ for more benefits

By Lori Winborn

As the local growing season fast approaches, it's a great time to consider what we can do in the coming months to eat and live healthier - and support the local economy. It all starts at home, in our kitchens and on our plates, with what foods we choose, how we prepare them and where they come from.

For overall health, start with the basics - focusing on a variety from all the food groups, choosing produce that is in season and making calories count by focusing on nutrient-rich foods.

At Mercy Medical Center, we understand the importance of nutrient-rich produce and foods grown in a sustainable manner. Our Food and Nutrition department initiated its own campaign, “Local Food, Local Flair,” to draw attention to the need for making informed decisions and incorporating locally produced foods into our meal plans.

We're trying to lead by example. This can be done at home and in workplace cafeterias.

In our grocery stores, there are more “country of origin” placards by select food items. Our farmers markets are drawing more customers. And many residents are plugging in to community supported agriculture groups that buy fresh foods from area farmers throughout the growing season. These choices to eat local as much as possible are healthier and help support our local economy.

Last August through November, Mercy's “Local Food, Local Flair” program worked with local growers, including Laura Krouse of Abbe Hills Farm CSA in Mount Vernon. Our chefs planned menus for each Friday around produce selections Laura offered.

“There are lots of benefits to eating locally-raised food,” Krouse said. “The food tastes better – it's that simple. It's more nutritious.

“It's pretty much guaranteed that it's fresher because it's not hauled from far away. On average, (much of) the food we eat in Iowa travels 1,500 miles to reach us. That can take up to five days.”

Buying locally also allows consumers to ask growers directly if they use pesticides.

In Iowa, Krouse notes, most small farmers growing produce for CSAs, farmers markets and local stores use organic methods and have good, rich soil, which enhances the nutritious value of food grown in it.

Join us in making nutrition a priority, beginning now. March is National Nutrition Month. Incorporate local food sources in your diet.

Learn more about the local food movement and associated health benefits. You can visit www.mercycare.org Other online sources include www.sustainabletable.org. and www.local

harvest.org

Lori Winborn is an outpatient/clinical dietitian at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids.