While large scale, commercial food production has made it easier to feed the billions of people on this planet, it has also devastated the environment and taken the most fundamental element out of the food equation- knowing the source of our food.  We no longer see how our food is grown, raised, produced, or packaged yet we demand more and more of it, which has brought on a host of negative consequences, such as increased allergies and food-borne illnesses, environmental degredation, increased animal suffering, loss of human contact, and overall reduction in food quality. 

The solutions are nearly as confusing as the problems, but everyone can do something small.  Knowledge is power; knowing where food comes from and in what season is one of the best things anyone can do to better their food quality and health.  Buying fresh foods in season is a simple way of keeping the quality up and the negatives down.  For most areas with any type of agricultural centers in the vicinity, buying seasonally almost always automatically equates to buying locally, because grocery stores save money on shipping by selling what is locally available.  It has also become trendy, which is a bonus for local farmers. 

Buying locally and seasonally contributes to the sustainability and security of our national food supply and puts us back in control of what we put in our bodies.  Bumpkin Gourmet products support local agriculture and community promotion of more sustainable food sources.  Less than 25% of all the total ingredients used in my products are sourced from beyond 100 miles.  I buy my bacon from a small family farm that raises their pigs humanely with no antibiotics or dangerous feeds.  My jalapenos, berries, peaches, onions, tomatoes, and honey come from three different farmers in eastern North Carolina and my cream and butter are sourced from a local dairy.  Be a part of the solution.  Check out your own local farmers markets, demand more local produce at your grocery stores, and keep buying Bumpkin Gourmet deliciousness!        
  
For more information on sustainability issues, check out these great resources:

http://2ndgreenrevolution.com
This is a fantastic website co-founded by an international businessman and a science educator.  Their collaboration brings countless perspectives into the sustainability discussion, which strengthens and enhances understanding and action.    
 
http://www.sustainabletable.org/issues/eatlocal
http://www.epa.gov/region7/water/cafo/index.htm
http://www.sustainabletable.org/issues/factoryfarming