Following the exploding interest in the nature and origin of the food we eat, there has been a growing movement of people desiring to become localvores; defined as one seeking to eat foods that are locally grown, generally within a range of 100 miles. In addition to meeting expectations of being fresh and natural it is also desired to reduce the environmental impact of the production of our food. Checking the miles that your food travels is one way to join the movement. Eating locally produced foods minimizes the carbon footprint of production and transportation of food. Not only will you also support your local business community but best of all, you will have fresher food in your home ! Everyone wins.

Here are 4 ways that you can integrate locally grown foods into your meal planning :

1. Visit a farmer's market or farm stand
Farmer's markets allow local farmers to sell directly to the consumers. When you go to these venues, you can meet the person who has grown your food. The food comes straight from the farm to the market, giving you fresher items that are at their nutritional peak.

2. CSA: The Community Supported Agriculture Program
The Community Supported Agriculture or the CSA, is a program in which a farmer can offer a box of fresh farm products to the public in exchange for a flat rate "subscription" or "membership." Many organic home delivery services can provide a seasonal box of local product; ask your supplier if this would be possible.

3. Survey your local restaurants
Ask neighbors, friends, family, and coworkers for recommendations.

Ask the servers in the restaurants you visit what on the menu is locally sourced. Finally, if you visit the local farmer's market, you can ask them for the names of some restaurants to whom they sell.

4. Grow it yourself
Planting herbs, tomatoes, sprouts, berries, and other produce is not only the most inexpensive way to get local food, but it's also fun. If you have a bigger backyard and can spare a few hours on the weekend for gardening, planting may just be the best option for you.