The Amalocal Philosophy

 Community Spirit – I care about my community and eat accordingly

Supporting and sustaining hard working local farmers, producers and retailers in the Bayside local community.  According to a study by the New Economics Foundation in London, a dollar spent locally generates twice as much income for the local economy than a dollar spent on an imported item.

Real, Tasty, Seasonal, Fresh, Good food

Locally grown seasonal produce is fresher and better for me and my family.

Produce that is not grown locally, has been in transit or cold-stored for days or sometimes weeks. Fresh local seasonal produce will generally have been picked or produced within 24 hours of delivery. This freshness not only affects the taste of food, but the nutritional value which declines over time.

Local fresh food simply tastes better.  

Ever eaten a tomato or a bean freshly picked off the vine? Enough said.

Save the planet

Eating local is better for air quality and pollution than eating organic.  In a March 2005 study by the journal of Food Policy, it was found that the extra miles that organic food often travels to our plate (from organic farms interstate) creates environmental damage that often outweighs the individual benefit of buying organic produce.

Food knowledge

Buying local food keeps us in touch with where our food comes from and the best seasons for eating it.  By eating with the seasons, we are eating foods when they are at their peak taste, are most abundant, and the least expensive.

Story telling

Buying locally grown food makes for a great story.  Whether it’s locally grown apples or the baker who bakes local sourdough bread, knowing the story about your food is such a powerful part of enjoying a meal.

Variety

Local food translates to more variety.  When a farmer is producing food that will not travel long distances, the farmer is free to experiment with and try small crops of interesting fruits and vegetables that would probably never make it to the large supermarkets.