Follow the Fresh

This post was sponsored by Fresh From Florida as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central, however all opinions expressed are my own. 

The first thing I do when shopping online, is check with small business owners before shopping the big name stores. Shopping online is only one of the ways I try to support small and local businesses; we love to visit farmers markets that pop up around town to purchase our produce for the week. Not only are you supporting the local economy when purchasing locally, there are so many other benefits. Today I'm sharing three benefits of eating local with you. 

I love that when we purchase locally it didn't travel half way across the world to get here. We are eating some of the freshest produce which has a way better taste and is much healthier for you since it holds all the nutrients. Another benefit is that you will eat seasonally. You save money eating seasonally as the produce is grown right outside your door, and you try a variation of foods. The third benefit is safer food. When food travels a long way you risk contamination because there are many steps the food needs to go through before reaching you. 

We all know that visiting farmers markets every weekend is seemingly impossible as a busy mom, so I'm glad that my Sprouts carries Fresh from Florida Produce. After dropping Bennett off at school in the morning, Carson and I can be found at our local Sprouts picking up produce for the day. I love that Sprouts has a large organic section, as well as many other produce and products that are locally grown and produced. 

The best way to spot what produce is seasonal to your area is by looking in the weekly ad for your grocery store. Usually the produce that is discounted is the produce that will be local to you. I will say you need to be quick, as the local stuff goes the fastest. I picked up three of these Fresh From Florida strawberries and later that day went to get more, and they were sold out. People know what to shop for and what tastes the best. Another great tip for finding what is in season is checking out the Fresh From Florida social sites. They have an extensive list on everything that is in season and where to find it! 

Right now bell pepper, strawberries, tomatoes, mushrooms, radish, snap beans, and cabbage--are all in season.  If you watch my instagram stories you saw a couple weeks ago I made some stuffed bell peppers. I have made those three or four times in the past month and a half, with different variations to the recipe. 

I am usually seen with a large container of strawberries prepped and ready for the week in my oxo container. Anyone that comes over knows I will have some sort of seasonally fresh fruit in my fridge. While my family was over today I whipped up some strawberry shortcakes, and they were absolutely delicious. That is one of the easiest things to make with your strawberries for a quick dessert! 

How will you Follow the Fresh?