Shopping Tips for Buying Local and Eating Seasonally

‘Tis the season to shop local! Michigan is the second most agriculturally diverse state in the country, which means there are so many locally grown fruits and veggies here to explore. Michigan’s growing season begins in late April and offers many ways to stretch grocery budgets while bringing home more fresh produce. One effective strategy is to embrace locally grown, in-season produce, which can often cost less, taste better, and offer more nutrients.

If you shop with a Bridge Card/EBT, Double Up Food Bucks will match fresh produce purchases up to $20 a day! Use Double Up at 230+ locations across Michigan, many of which offer a great selection of locally grown produce.

Tips For Buying Local

Purchasing locally grown food can be cost-effective. Local farmers often have lower transportation and distribution costs, allowing them to offer competitive prices. Plus, Michigan-grown produce is often fresher!

• Look out for locally grown produce: In the spring, asparagus, strawberries, and rhubarb begin to sprout. In the peak of summer, expect to see more locally grown fruits and veggies like lettuce, broccoli, peppers, tomatoes, cherries, and berries! See more of what’s in season before you head to the storeWhen you’re shopping, look for the state of origin on the produce stickers or label, or perhaps there’s a “locally grown” area of the produce section. You can also ask your local grocer or farmers market vendor what produce they have on hand from local farms.
• Visit farmers markets. Explore local farmers markets to discover fresh, in-season produce. Sometimes you might even get to meet the local farmer who grew the produce! These vendors can provide insights into the best ways to prepare and store fresh fruits and vegetables.​ Find a farmers market near you through our interactive map and see market hours.
• Visit a farm stand or join a CSA. Go straight to the source by visiting a farm that sells direct to consumers and accepts EBT and Double Up. We partner with 15 farms and two Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs across Michigan. Find a farm stand or CSA near your and filter by location type through our interactive map.

Tips For Eating Seasonally

Savoring seasonal produce means you will enjoy fruits and vegetables at their peak ripeness, flavor, and nutritional value. Eating seasonally can also help you explore new produce options.

• Plan meals around seasonal produce. Check out what’s in season and select some recipes to help you plan and get the most out of your grocery budget before you shop. Explore our tips on meal planning and check out some springtime recipes.
• Preserve your seasonal bounty. Learn the basics of storing fresh fruits and veggies to help extend their shelf life. You can also freeze and can your produce to help savor locally grown goodness for months.

By bringing home more locally grown, in-season produce with Double Up Food Bucks, your family can stretch your food budget while enjoying nutritious and flavorful meals. And the benefits don’t stop there! By buying local, you are strengthening your local economy by helping farmers and food retailers right where you live.

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