Moving involves 1001 things that need to be done. Healthy eating usually goes out the window for the duration of this process. If you are someone who is conscious of what goes into their bodies – worry not. Even if you have been eating worse than usual, the time after the move is a great time to catch up. Maintaining a healthy diet is essential for settling in faster, and it will take time to find local organic food sources after relocating. If you run a nutrition & health coaching business, it’s even more important to ensure you have access to quality organic produce!
Don’t Make Your Diet a Secondary Priority to Begin With
During a move, it’s easy to let your diet slide because you’re too busy to focus on preparing and eating clean. But with Hendra Moving and Storage, you don’t have to compromise your health They handle all aspects of your relocation—whether it’s local, long-distance, commercial, residential, or even special items—giving you the time to prioritize finding organic food suppliers in your new area, even before getting there. Let them take care of the move so you can maintain your commitment to clean eating.
Start With Local Farmers’ Markets
One of the best ways to find local organic food sources after relocating is by visiting farmers’ markets. These markets are great places to meet local farmers and learn about their growing practices. By shopping at these markets, you support local agriculture and get access to fresh, seasonal produce.
Once at the market, take the time to talk to the farmers. Ask about their growing practices and whether their products are certified organic. Building relationships with these farmers can also lead to additional benefits, such as learning about other local sources of organic food.
Join Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) Programs
Another excellent way to secure fresh, organic produce is by joining a Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. With CSA programs, you can buy a share of the local harvest. In return, you receive regular deliveries of fresh, seasonal produce. This supports local farmers but also guarantees that you have a steady supply of organic food.
To find a CSA program in your area, you can use online directories like LocalHarvest, which lists thousands of CSA programs across the country. When considering a CSA, inquire about the farm’s practices to ensure they align with your commitment to organic eating. Some CSAs also offer other products, such as eggs, dairy, and meat, giving you more options for organic, locally sourced food.
Exploring Organic Grocery Stores and Co-ops
While farmers’ markets and CSA programs are fantastic, sometimes you need a quick trip to the store. That’s where organic grocery stores and food co-ops come in. These stores specialize in organic and natural products, making it easier to find what you need. According to Dalhousie
University, in 2021, the organic market of Canada was estimated to be worth $6.5 billion, showing the increasing availability of organic products in mainstream and specialized stores. To find these stores, search online for organic grocery stores or co-ops in your area. Google Maps can be a handy tool for this. Once you find a few options, visit them to see which ones offer the best selection of organic products. Don’t forget to check the labels to ensure the items are certified organic, as not all natural products meet organic standards.
Visiting U-Pick Farms
If you enjoy the process of selecting your own produce, U-Pick farms might be the perfect option for you. These farms allow customers to pick fruits, vegetables, and other produce directly from the fields. This ensures that your food is fresh and will enable you to learn more about farming practices firsthand. This way, you can organize your kitchen to support healthy eating with the produce that you pick yourself!
To locate U-Pick farms, websites like PickYourOwn.org provide directories that can help you find local options. Before heading out, check what’s in season, and be sure to bring containers for your harvest. Picking your own produce can be a fun activity, especially if you have kids, and it gives you peace of mind knowing exactly where your food comes from.
Explore Farm-to-Table Restaurants
If you’re looking to find local organic food sources after relocating, farm-to-table restaurants are an excellent option. These restaurants focus on sourcing ingredients directly from local farms, ensuring fresh, organic meals. Eating at these establishments supports local farmers and allows you to taste the best of what your new area has to offer.
Farm-to-table dining has become increasingly popular in recent years. To find these restaurants in your new location, try searching online using terms like “farm-to-table” or “organic restaurants.” Websites like Yelp or TripAdvisor often have lists and reviews of such places.
Build Relationships with Local Farmers
Getting to know local farmers is another great way to ensure you have access to organic food. When you establish relationships with farmers, you can ask about their growing practices and even get advice on the best times to buy certain produce.
For instance, attending local farmers’ markets regularly is an excellent way to meet farmers. You can also visit their farms if they offer tours or open days. Building this relationship gives you a direct line to organic produce and may open doors to farm shares or special orders.
These relationships can be particularly valuable if you’re trying to adapt your diet after relocation. Farmers can suggest seasonal produce that’s popular in your new area, helping you incorporate local flavours and nutrients into your meals.
Attend Local Food Festivals and Events
Local food festivals are a fun and engaging way to discover organic food sources. These events often showcase local farmers, artisans, and food producers, giving you various options to explore. Plus, they’re a great way to immerse yourself in the local food culture.
Food festivals focused on sustainability and organic produce are common in many regions. For example, Canada’s National Organic Month emphasizes organic, locally sourced foods. These events can also be educational, offering workshops and demonstrations on topics like organic gardening and cooking.
When you attend these festivals, you can:
– Meet local farmers and producers.
– Discover new organic products.
– Learn about sustainable practices.
– Taste a variety of organic foods.
Grow Your Own Organic Garden
If you have the space, starting your own organic garden is a rewarding way to ensure a steady supply of fresh produce. Gardening allows you to control what goes into your food, ensuring it’s free from pesticides and chemicals.
463% of households in Canada grow some of their own food, and this number has been rising. Starting a garden might seem challenging at first, but it can be as simple as growing a few herbs or vegetables in pots on your balcony or patio.
Consider starting with easy-to-grow plants like tomatoes, lettuce, and herbs. You’ll always have fresh ingredients and gardening can also be a relaxing and satisfying hobby.
Find Local Organic Food Sources After Relocating For Peace Of Mind
As you can see, if you are dedicated, you can find local organic food sources within a day of relocating. With a bit of time invested, you can easily maintain a healthy and organic diet in your new home. Enjoy fresh, locally sourced food that supports your health and the community around you.
Lynne is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, meal prep mastermind, wife and mother of three. Lynne’s dreams and creativity have brought Holistic Nutrition Hub to fruition so that all Nutrition Practitioners can better help their clients and attain their business goals.
