How to Shop Local
Changing the way we shop can seem daunting at first. There is so much research involved in figuring out where to get what you want and need without going to the grocery store for the bulk of it. So we did all of that for you here. The next step is figuring out how to use this site so you don't feel like you're driving all over the state and making a hundred stops. You may find, however, that enjoying fresh, local food is worth making a couple of stops per week around town and that once you figure out who has the bread, salad greens, or tomatoes you prefer, who makes your favorite jams & jellies, and how close the nearest egg stand is to you, you will look forward to shopping this way and incorporate these stops into your routines. Fresh food just tastes better and is better for you.
Figure out what works best for you.
There are so many options for shopping local:
- Purchase a crop share (CSA) and supplement with other sources
- Order online & pickup weekly from a service that offers goods from multiple sources with just 1 pickup location (HealthyPlanEat), supplement with other sources
- Order online from multiple farms/businesses as you need items, pick up or have items delivered, supplement with other sources
- Shop at farm stands and farm stores as you need items, supplement with other sources
- Find which egg stands & dairies are closest to you and incorporate these stops into your routine
- As the season progresses and smaller farm stands pop up, find which ones offer products you prefer and incorporate these into your routine
- Shop at Farmers Markets, which start up in May. We will have a list of local markets by day of week. This is a great way to purchase multiple items in 1 stop
- Bittersweet Farm, located at 441 Candlewood Hill Rd, Higganum, CT is about to be the home of the Underground Grocer's indoor farm store. This will be an indoor farmers market store stocked with local produce and goods. Details and timeline to come!
​
An example of how many of us shop local is to purchase salad greens, breads, some vegetables, and various other items online and pick up on a weekly basis. When needed, we add a jar of honey, cheese, and some yogurt to the order. We know who has eggs in town and grab some while we're out and grab milk around the corner, too. We order half a side of beef and half a pig split between a few people, along with some poultry to stock the freezer for the year. There are several farms in the area offering smaller quantities, as well. We stop at a local farmers market here and there to fill in the gaps. Then we go to the grocery store about once per month to stock back up on household items, toiletries, etc.
CSA/Crop Share
In Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) crop shares are a way for consumers to support local farms by purchasing a portion of the harvest in advance. Members buy a "share" at the beginning of the season, providing farmers with upfront capital. In return, they receive regular boxes of fresh, seasonal produce throughout the growing season, which are typically picked up at the farm on a weekly basis.
​
This model benefits both farmers and consumers. Farmers gain financial security and a reliable market, while members enjoy fresh, local food and a closer connection to how it's grown. Though harvests can vary due to weather and other factors, crop shares reflect a shared commitment to sustainable, community-based agriculture. We have several CSA's right here in town.
Order From Online Marketplace, Weekly
Pickup 1 Location
An online marketplace connects you to fresh food from local sustainable farms and food artisans and allows you to choose from a local pickup location, delivery service, or a sustainable shipping service. Orders are accepted within a window of time and pickups are at various pre-selected locations, days, and time frames.
​
HealthyPlanEat is the only online marketplace in our area at this time and they are growing rapidly and offering more products and pickup locations on a regular basis.
Order Online from Multiple Farms & Artisans, Pickup Each Location/Delivery
There are many farms & artisans that accept online orders and payments. Here you will find bakeries, fresh pasta, soaps, candles, fresh vegetables, garlic, honey, fudge & chocolates, coffee roasters, local cheese, teas, chicken & duck eggs, sourdough breads, alpaca products, maple syrup, and more. Most of the coffee roasters will ship directly to you.
Call or Email to Order, Pickup each
Location
Several farms and businesses prefer to take orders via email or phone calls. These include Sycamore Farms (meats), Priest Farm (dairy & herd share program for milk), The Bake Up Artist & The Bread Girl, and Lovers Lane (fresh flowers, various art).
Farm Stands &
Farm Stores
There are plenty of seasonal farm stands and farm stores to choose from here offering a consistent inventory when open. You will find garlic, salad greens, fresh vegetables, fruits, chicken & duck eggs, teas, herbs, baked goods, maple syrup, fresh flowers, honey, jams & jellies.
Some farms and businesses are open year-round, including coffee roasters, dairies, and cheesemakers.
Farmers Markets
Shopping at local farmers markets supports small farmers and the local economy, while providing fresh, seasonal, and often organic produce. It reduces the environmental impact of long-distance food transport and connects consumers directly with growers, fostering a sense of community and trust. In addition, the food is typically much fresher, tastes much better, and is more nutritious. Farmers markets are also a great way to purchase a wide variety of items in one stop. As the season gets going, we will include a list of local markets listed by day of the week.
Smaller Pop-Up Farm Stands &
Egg Stands
Many of us periodically put out a small farm stand when we have a surplus of garden produce, eggs, and firewood. As the season gets going, we will include a map with icons for approximate locations of the ones we know about. Please feel free to send us information so we can support each other.
We are already eagerly awaiting the fresh shiitake mushrooms, arugula, shishito peppers, and Tropea onions we get around the corner.