By Taylor Sutton, MS, RD
United Supermarkets’ Lifestyle Desk
Supporting local businesses and product producers is important in every community. But, what does that mean?
For United Supermarkets, supporting local means purchasing goods from local businesses, such as the mom and pop stores or family-owned farms, not a large retailer. We uphold a commitment to supporting local by carrying goods from Texas businesses in our Texas stores.
For example, you can find signs in the produce section that tell you how many produce items are from local farmers for that day. The number changes daily. And, within the aisles, you can find a local tag on the product!
Aside from local products being some of the freshest in the store, there are a ton of other major benefits to going local.
Supporting local significantly impacts the environment positively and aids in sustainability. Carbon footprint and air pollution reduce due to less distance needed to deliver products between the supplier and our grocery stores.
The reduced distance also results in fresher products whether that is produce, meat, or dairy, because products get to the shelves quicker. Local produce often contains fewer pesticides, which helps maintain biodiversity and prevents contamination of the air, soil, or water. Lastly, the environment benefits from the maintenance and protection of local land (the farms) and its wildlife.
There are many opportunities to support local beyond the grocery store. These opportunities can be a gift shop with handmade goods, a clothing store, a bakery, or a coffee shop. These local businesses often provide excellent personalized customer service and unique items reflecting the community along with economic and environmental benefits previously mentioned.
To celebrate local produce, here is a super tasty melon pico de gallo recipe that is perfect for this hot summer days. It features two different melons including a summer favorite. It goes perfectly with chicken or shrimp!
Local Melon Pico
What You Need
1/2 c. watermelon
1/2 c. honeydew melon
1/4 c. red onion
1/3 c. cucumber
1/2 lime, zested and juiced
15 mint leaves
How It’s Made
1. Dice watermelon, honeydew, cucumber, and red onion to all the same size
2. Mince mint leaves
3. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and serve with chips, mixed with a grain or even over grilled shrimp or chicken.
Serves 2
