The farm-to-table movement has become increasingly popular over the past decade. People want to know where their food comes from and what goes into it, and value the transparency of locally sourced ingredients. Find out what other advantages farm-to-table holds for diners, communities, and the planet below.

3 Benefits of Farm-to-Table Dining

1. Eat Healthier 

Local food is fresh and doesn’t require the added preservatives you find in prepackaged items. Processed goods also tend to have more sodium, which contributes to high blood pressure and related health issues. Additionally, mass-produced fruits and vegetables are often picked before they are ripe to keep them from spoiling on the way to stores. You don’t have this problem with local produce, making it tastier and more nutritious.

2. Support Your Community

Farm-to-table restaurants depend on regional agriculture to get the freshest ingredients possible. When you give them your business, you are not only supporting a community restaurant, but also your area’s farmers. You may even be able to visit local agricultural producers and see how your food is grown and harvested—a fun educational opportunity for the entire family.

3. Protect the Environment

Truck emissions spill carbon monoxide into the air, contributing to ozone depletion and global warming. Transporting foods thousands of miles across the country isn’t good for the Earth. By eating local produce, whether it’s milk, cheese, meat, vegetables or fruits, you are doing your part to decrease your carbon footprint.  

Kahuku Farms on the North Shore of Oahu offers a unique opportunity to enjoy farm-to-table dining while also learning where your meal came from. This local agricultural producer is open to the public and also home to an onsite cafe serving delicious dishes with a dose of Hawaii hospitality. After a tractor tour of the grounds, you will enjoy your meal even more. Whet your appetite with a look at the cafe menu online, and learn more about their farm tours by calling (808) 628-0639.