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Have you ever wondered how much of each dollar you spend at the grocery store goes to the people who actually grow the food? The answer is not a simple one since each food is different, but the reality is that farmers get a very small percentage of what we pay for the food. There are many reasons for this, but most involve “middle men” along the way: food processors and packagers, transportation, and the store selling the goods to name a few.
A study conducted last year showed even though food prices have increased, the percent a farmer gets of what we pay has decreased (1). In 1950, most farmers were given about 40% of every dollar spent on food. According to the National Farmers Union, today that number is more like 20% (2). For many farmers, it is as low as 5% (1,3).
Is that shocking to you? It is to me!
On the other hand, when I buy directly from a farmer through my CSA or the farmer’s market, the farmer takes 100% of the dollars I give him. Yes, s/he has to divide that $1.00 up to pay for farming costs, but so does the farmer who only gets $0.05.
This leaves me with the question, Where do I want my money to go? Do I want it to go to paying for fuel, packaging, marketing, etc., or to paying for good quality farming and truly fresh foods? I am not ready to quit the supermarket all together, but it definitely adds another dimension to the choice of where I want to buy my food.
Two of our local markets are already open, and I this was just the reminder I needed to be motivated to kick off my weekend grocery trip with a stop at the market.
If you need help finding local markets near you, try doing an internet search for “Farmers Market [your city name]”. You can also take a look at this post which offers other ideas for finding local markets.
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1 comments:
I really like that you have posted this. I always think of this when im shopping in N.Ireland.
Ive given up shopping at supermarkets like Tesco and Wal Mart style. They treat local farmers unfairly and the quality of food is never as good.
Im very fortunate though to live right beside a fresh vegetable shop, a butchers and have a market every weekend 15 minutes walk from my house in the city... my parents live a 10 min drive to the closest town and the big supermarket is what theyre used too. Im trying to help change their opinions but thus far it hasnt worked!!
Ive almost eradicated the use of the plastic bag in the house so im happy so far!
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