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Fresh and Local Produce Trend Seen on Hill
by Jennifer Katz
When Eden Krainer moved to Chestnut Hill from Carrboro, N.C. two years
ago, she was eager to find out where she could buy locally grown and/or
organic produce. She was fortunate enough to live near a co-op in Carrboro
that she could walk to which specialized in goods from local and organic
farmers. Now in a new city and without a car, Krainer turned to a neighborhood
run co-op.
“I loved the co-op in North Carolina. Everything was local and
fresh. And since I didn’t have a car here, the convenience of the
neighborhood co-op was a big factor,” said Krainer.
The co-op consisted of a group of neighbors who joined together to purchase
locally grown and organic produce from South Jersey supplier, Suburban
Organics, which has over 350 customers in New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland
and Pennsylvania. In 15-, 20- and 25-pound boxes, fresh produce arrives
every week at the group coordinator’s home where members would pick
it up.
“I like supporting local farmers and the additional bonus of helping
the environment with fuel conservation,” Krainer explained.
In fact, locally grown and organic advocates cite both the individual
benefit derived from eating foods free of chemicals, genetically engineered
seeds, hormones or antibiotics as well as the collective benefit of supporting
the local agriculture economy and sparing the environment the fuel pollution
incurred during shipping.
According to FoodRoutes Network, a nonprofit organization based in Philadelphia
that provides communications, organization and marketing support to locally
grown and sustainable agriculture groups, most fresh fruits and vegetables
in the United States travel between 1,500 and 2,500 miles from farm to
table.
MaryAnn Flaherty, owner and operator of Farm Fresh Express in Drexel
Hill, started her organic and locally grown produce delivery service last
year after volunteering at the fair foods farm stand at Reading Terminal
Market. “I was aware of the health benefits of organic food, but
I really didn’t know about the local aspect. After educating myself
on the importance of supporting local farmers and the benefit to the environment,
I realized that many people would buy locally grown and organic foods
if it were available to them,” said Flaherty.
Indeed, in Haddonfield, N.J. alone, there are currently four Suburban
Organics co-ops, and in Collingswood, N.J. long-time organics supporter
and co-op coordinator, Andrea Bille, was able to start two co-ops in the
last four years. “I’ve found that the selection is better.
The prices through the co-op are more competitive. The food is fresher
and its more convenient,” explained Bille, who was asked to act
as an advisor to the Chestnut Hill co-op.
Co-owner of Suburban Organics, Shelley Henshaw, estimates that families
can save up to 25 percent off retail costs for organic produce. But the
savings are not the most attractive aspect for customers, according to
Henshaw, “The freshness is incredible. Most of the produce comes
in the same day that it is delivered.”
Krainer is hoping that her neighbors on the Hill agree and join her in
the co-op. The group needs a minimum of six members to continue operating.
Krainer emphasized that there is no minimum order requirement and anyone
in the area is eligible to join.
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