Buying local food keeps your dollars circulating in your community. Getting to know the farmers who grow your food builds relationships based on understanding and trust, the foundation of strong communities. There's never been a more critical time to support your farming neighbors. With each local food purchase, you ensure that more of your money spent on food goes to the farmer. Seasonal food guides, and recognition of participating farmers and restaurants are among the efforts of the  Buy Fresh Buy Local marketing campaign.

Local food is fresher and tastes better than food shipped long distances from other states or countries. Local farmers can offer produce varieties bred for taste and freshness rather than for shipping and long shelf life. 

Knowing where your food comes from and how it is grown or raised may enable you to choose food from farmers who certify that they avoid or reduce their use of chemicals, pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, or genetically modified seed in their operations.

Buy Fresh Buy Local is a grassroots organization dedicated to connecting consumers to the freshest, most delicious locally grown foods and products available. By joining Buy Fresh Buy Local Hampton Roads, you become part of a community of farmers, retailers, restaurants, and consumers who promote buying local farm products to preserve open space, support the local economy, and ensure the environmental health and sustainability of farms throughout the Hampton Roads area. You will also help perpetuate the long tradition of producing delicious foods that is part of our regional heritage.