Buying and growing food locally is a part of Clearwater Greenprint, the city's sustainability plan
Why Local Food is Important
Pinellas County is largely developed, with only a few small farms within its boundaries. As a result, most food consumed by Clearwater residents comes from other counties, states, and even countries. Transporting this food from far-away locations requires fuel and accounts 14% of the total energy used to get food from farm to market.
A sustainable community provides healthy food for its people. The quality of food, health, and the natural environment are interconnected. The availability of healthy foods directly influences what people eat and therefore their physical well-being. Local foods are transported shorter distances from farm to consumer tables, ensuring fresher foods while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Local foods also tend to be less processed and require less refrigeration, which also reduces GHG emissions. Local foods are generally fresher than foods transported long distances. Most locally-produced food also uses fewer toxic chemicals, which can impact community health and the natural environment. Eating a diet that is also rich in plants has a lower carbon footprint and conserves more water than diets with higher amounts of meat.
While younger generations have grown up without great awareness of where their food comes from, there are many people in Clearwater that have substantial knowledge about small-scale food production that could provide guidance for community gardening. This presents a significant opportunity for learning, experimenting, and knowledge sharing within the community and even bridging cultural and generational divides. Growing food also brings about a greater knowledge of Clearwater’s seasons, soil, and wildlife. This knowledge adds to a greater sense of place and care for our land.