Written by: Jenn Arndt, Roots Nutrition Counseling & More
The farm-to-table concept is a popular topic that highlights the importance of locally grown products making it to the average consumer’s table. From a health perspective, farm-to-table bring more nutrient dense foods filled with fiber, phytonutrients, and high-quality vitamins and minerals. As our food systems continue to grow, we have lost some of the homegrown feeling that farm-to-table is bringing back.
As a Registered Dietitian, providing education about what farm-to-table truly means is essential, along with helping consumers discover practical, realistic ways to incorporate it into their everyday lives. At Roots Nutrition Counseling & More, we work with local producers to incorporate in our grab and go case. In addition, there are local restaurants, on site farm stores, farmers markets, and food hubs that consumers can access right here in North Iowa. Bringing farm-to-table home isn’t limited to the seasonal farmers markets we all have access to in the warmer months. Farmers and producers in our area work consistently to bring these products to our seasonal state year-round.
There is great momentum, specifically in our area of Northern Iowa, to make the farm-to-table concept easy for consumers to take part in, and more than just a nationwide trend. With this approach of adding nutrient dense, local foods to our tables, we not only nourish our bodies, but also, our local economy.