It may not always be possible to choose foods that were locally grown (depending on the season and your need). However, choosing them when you are able can benefit your health and supports your local community in a variety of ways.

What is considered local? Is it food grown in your city, region, or state? Not to make it complicated, but the term "local" as it pertains to our food system is perceived differently by everyone. Living in an urban area may provide you a view that "local" means food produced in surrounding counties, versus rural areas where "local" may mean the whole state. Whatever your definition of "locally grown food" is, there are many benefits from purchasing and consuming them.

Better Nutrient Value. Food that is grown near you and has less distance to travel is higher in nutrients than their counterparts. The longer food travels and sits in distribution centers, the more the nutritional value decreases.

Better taste. Because the destination is not too far away, locally grown food is fresher and full of flavor. With less road to travel, fruit and vegetables can ripen to their peak rather than being picked before ripening to allow for shipping and distribution.

Supports the local economy. Buying local foods supports your area farmers and, in turn, money is circulated back into your community's businesses and services.

Helps preserve farmland. By supporting your local farmers, you are helping to preserve farmland and open spaces in your community.

One way to ensure you are eating locally grown foods is to plant your own garden. There is nothing better than the fresh taste of home grown fruit and vegetables and the pride that goes into planting, growing, and harvesting your own garden. If you are new to gardening, start small with one or two pots and maybe make it a goal to add one fruit or vegetable a year.

Farmers markets are another way to buy local fresh produce. Here in Kootenai County we have two markets. One is located in downtown Coeur d'Alene and takes place Wednesday evenings and the other is located in Hayden and takes place on Saturday mornings. In addition to fresh produce, you can find local breads, meats, cheeses, and more at these farmers markets. For additional information about the Kootenai County farmers markets visit http://www.kootenaifarmersmarkets.org/.

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture houses the program Idaho Preferred and is another resource for identifying local Idaho grown food and agriculture products. Whether you are looking for fine wines, specialty food, or nursery plants, just look for the Idaho Preferred label to ensure it's local. You can find these labels on products at grocery stores, restaurant menus, nurseries, and more. Visit www.idahopreferred.com for more information about fresh Idaho products by season, recipes, and other programs such as Farm To School.

You and your community will reap the benefits from choosing local products. Resources available for consumers make it easier to make those choices. Happy eats!

Kimberly Young, MS, RDN, LD, is the WIC Coordinator at Panhandle Health District and a graduate of the University of Idaho Dietetic program.