Finding Local Food - Even in Winter

Find Local Food In Winter

Yes, you truly can find locally grown food in the midst of winter and it’s often easier than you think.

That may seem impossible as winter has its challenges for locally grown foods. First of all, it’s winter! Gardens are blanketed in snow. Farmers markets are closed for the season.

Winter, in my estimation, lasts anywhere from November to March/April. (Hmmm. Sounds like the period of time when there are no Farmers Markets. Is that just me or… ) But there honestly is not a lot growing and it’s snowy.

Sound gloomy? Let me bring some sunshine into the picture.

There are local growers producing food year-round and there is local food available — most people just don’t know where to look.

Here are some of the ways I’ve made connections and found locally grown.

Keep in mind what is in season

First, think seasonal.

In winter, that means root vegetables - potatoes, carrots, beets, turnips and onions are in this group.

Thinking seasonal is, in fact,  a good mindset to use year round. Vegetables and fruits that are in season are the freshest, most nutritious, are grown local and are generally, less expensive.

Early in February, I priced asparagus at a supercenter’s grocery and a bundle was over $5. In season, that asparagus is less than half that price.

Here’s a thought - if you crave a summer fruit or vegetables, get it in season and preserve it. Can it. Freeze it, Dehydrate it. Whatever your method, you can have that May asparagus in the middle of January, thanks to preservation.

Winter markets.

Not all farmers markets end for the season in October or November.

Check with your farmers market on their social media or ask at the end of the season if there will be a winter market. Call them. Connect.

Food Co-ops and Natural Food Stores

Where are they?

Easy way to search — Google it.

I did an internet search for Food Co-ops in Minnesota and found three in my region.

And that thought leads me also to…..

Social Media

Check on social media sites for farmers you’ve seen at the farmers market or for locally grown foods. Instagram, X, Facebook are some that may have groups growing local.

On Facebook, for example, I am a follower of two groups of local foods in Minnesota. One is specifically Northwest Minnesota and the other a more statewide focus. Through one of those groups, I made a connection with a grower to purchase four locally grown, organic chickens.

Want to learn more about finding local in winter? Here’s a free mini-guide that has more tips and suggestions for finding local and using it in winter meals.

Click on the button to get the free downloadable mini-guide

Check out the mini-guide for more in-depth information.

More than vegetables

Locally grown may mean locally harvested wild rice, honey, maple syrup, jams, meats, eggs, cheese and other dairy products.

Make connections

My sister and I were at a summer farmers market buying produce from a couple we’ve repeatedly purchased vegetables from, when the husband asked if we wanted to be informed when they would have items during winter.

They would bring in their house the cherry tomatoes grown in containers, water them and place them under grow lights and they would have tomatoes throughout the winter. You now have some of the tools to work with, but also set realistic expectations.

Enjoy the season - share

Winter can get to be long, but here’s a way we’ve found to make it a pleasant time. We share a meal with friends.

Consider a potluck where everyone must make something homemade and if it has a local connection, that’s great!

Make a meal focused on locally grown and share. Enjoy the conversation and connections

Bison roast. Local potatoes and carrots. An apple pie made from locally grown apples.

The Local Growers had our Locally Grown Meal a few months ago and it was fun sourcing the local vegetables, chicken and apples for the meal.

It doesn’t have to be a full course meal.

If you find local cheeses and meats, do an appetizer tray.

Find a local baker and do a sampling of sweet treats or do some baking yourself with locally ground flours and butters.

There are more tips and ideas in the free mini-guide. There is more in-depth on where to look for locally grown and budgeting and flexibility in meal planning and use of local foods.

Winter is truly an exciting season and a time of discovery.

Embrace the journey.