Growers and Grocers

Wal-Mart isn’t known for supporting local economies. The megacorporation has probably done more to obliterate the downtowns of America than any other business.
But they’ve turned a new leaf, at least in Florida. At least until the good press dies down and it’s no longer convenient. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services reports that […]

The neighborhood butcher used to be an icon of meaty knowledge. He (or, rarely, she) knew the secrets of breaking down an animal into parts. He could arrange for you to get special cuts. He probably learned the craft from his father.
That hasn’t been the case for years. At most stores, the “butcher” simply puts […]

Some Arizona farmers are turning their farms into tourist destinations, according to this story on Yahoo! News. The altruistic goal is to help people understand where their food comes from. The financial goal, of course, is to make more money to compete with large farms.
If you’ve read George Pyle’s Raising Less Corn, More Hell you […]

Derrick Schneider is a freelance food and wine writer and computer programmer. He believes that small farms and traditional ways often produce better food than corporations that care more about their bottom line than your health or taste buds. He also believes that local economies matter, and we should strive to keep our money within […]