This week as a follow-up to last week’s price survey I have enlisted our trusty guest blogger and home economics expert, Heidi Nawrocki, to give us her take on the subject. As a real-world example I think you’ll find this very enlightening. Stay tuned below the stars for an update on today’s happenings.

 

Locavore. Farmers market junkie. Local foodie. Call it what you want, but all love local foods. I'd need to write a book to tout all the advantages of local food! Freshness, getting to know your farmer, and keeping your money local are the three top reasons I love local food. Last week Bob presented us with a price survey of the average price of items at the market versus similar items found at the grocery store. Not only can you keep your money local, but you can save some, too!

 

I especially was happy to see the meat price comparison. The filet mignon in particular caught my eye – filet at the market costs $2 less than one local grocery store and nearly $8 cheaper than another. And the meat the grocery store isn't even grass-fed! If you were to pick up filet mignon, some potatoes, and green beans, you'd have yourself a nice, local dinner.

 

Let's take a look at what that dinner would cost you at home versus a local chain steakhouse. Filet comes in 9oz medallions at this particular steakhouse and can be ordered with a side of green beans and your choice of potato preparation – fries, mashed or baked. This meal would cost $18.99 at the local steakhouse. Let's look at the cost of a similar meal, prepared at home, with ingredients purchased at the Farmers Market.

 

                Filet = $14.83/lb

                                9oz = $8.34

 

                Green beans = $2.46/lb

                                8oz = $1.23

 

                Potatoes = $1.47/lb

                                8oz = $0.74

 

                Total cost of local meal = $10.31!

 

Now, the menu doesn't give the size of the side dishes, so I've been generous in this example (perhaps a little too generous!). Even so, look at the cost of the local meal! I've read recently the statistic that if everyone were to eat just ONE local meal per WEEK, the nation would save 1.1 million barrels of oil per week. That's a pretty sobering statistic and really brings to light the impact of the industrial agriculture system. As you can see, though, a locally sourced meal can be made much cheaper than can be bought at a local restaurant. And you're saving gas money! And impressing your spouse or family! And with the money you can save, you can add in a bottle of wine to dinner and a RedBox movie and be set for a nice evening in. So, how about it? Can you commit to just ONE completely local meal this week?

 

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Thanks, Heidi!

 

This week’s Chef’s Demo will be performed by Chef Jay Mahoney of Pierpont Culinary Academy. Jay and some of his students from the Academy will be preparing a Zucchini Fettucine dish with a fresh Tomato Coulis and Parmesan. The recipe will be available for you to take home.

 

Under the Music Tent this week will be Greg Gregory. Greg is back by popular demand and, finally, I’ll get to hear what everyone is so excited about. You see, I’ve only missed two Market days this season and both of them were Greg Gregory days.

 

Until next week, Stay Fresh!

 

The Bridgeport Farmers Market Association is the seven member all volunteer board of directors that governs the Bridgeport Farmers Market. It is supported by a wonderful group of community volunteers who help in the setup and maintenance of the market. For more information on the Farmers Market or to see how you can help please e-mail us at bridgeportfarmersmarket@yahoo.comor, better yet, LIKE us on Facebook and follow us on both Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out the Market’s own YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/BridgeportFarmersMktor for more BFM video content you can now go to http://vimeo.com/bridgeportfarmersmarket/videos

Go here to see all of the entries in the Let’s Get Fresh blog: http://tinyurl.com/kdv4mhl