Why should I shop local?

As a family farm, we know how important the food we eat is, and how important it is that you feel safe eating it and feeding it to your families… but did you know that buying local has more than just benefits for food?
As a local farm store committed to sustainable practices and community involvement, we've seen firsthand the positive impact that choosing local can have on both our environment and our economy. 

1. Freshness and Quality
When you buy local, you're getting products that are fresher than those that have traveled thousands of miles to get to your supermarket shelf. At River Road Pastures, our produce, meats, and eggs are harvested or collected often within just a day of reaching your table. This means you get to enjoy peak flavor and nutrition. Freshness not only improves the taste of your food but also the nutritional value it offers.

2. Supporting the Local Economy
Buying local keeps money within your community, helping to boost the local economy. When you shop at places like River Road Pastures, you're directly supporting local jobs and fostering economic resilience in your community. Each dollar spent locally is re-spent in the local economy.

3. Strengthening Community Ties
Shopping at local farms and farm stores promotes a sense of community. You get to know your farmers and producers, learn about where and how your food is produced, and connect with others who share your values and interests. At River Road Pastures, we cherish these connections and believe they're essential for fostering strong, supportive communities.

4. Promoting Animal Welfare and Responsible Farming
Local farms often maintain higher standards of animal welfare and farming practices. At our farm our chickens and cows can roam freely enjoying fresh pasture and a diet of organic feed, the chickens even get fresh vegetables and fruits from our garden! This results in happier, healthier animals and, by extension, higher-quality products. For example, when we made our chicken run bigger to include trees to play in, and dirt to roll in, we averaged an extra 3-5 eggs a day!

5. Unique and Diverse Products
Local farms are also a great source of unique varieties that you might not find in your average grocery store. We pride ourselves on offering products that stand out—whether it's a heritage breed of livestock or a rare type of vegetable. Supporting local farms helps preserve biodiversity and offers you a chance to experience new and exciting flavors.
 
By choosing to shop at River Road Pastures and other local businesses, you are making a decision that benefits not just you and your family, but your entire community. You ensure that you have access to the freshest, highest-quality products while supporting sustainable agriculture and economic growth in your area.
We invite you to visit us at River Road Pastures, where you can see the difference local makes. Together, we can build a healthier, more sustainable, and more connected world—one purchase at a time.

Thank you for your support for our farm, family, and community.
XOXO