Eating seasonally isn’t just a trend—it’s an easy, impactful way to boost your health, support local farmers and reduce environmental impact. Choosing in-season produce means you’re getting fruits and veggies picked at peak ripeness, making them not only fresher and more nutritious, but often more flavorful and affordable too.

Eating seasonally and locally also connects us to the natural cycles around us and helps us eat a bit more like our ancestors did. Plus, it’s a win for local farmers and the planet, since food doesn’t have to travel as far.

Small changes toward seasonal eating can make a big difference for you, your community and the environment.

Let’s explore why this approach is so beneficial and how you can begin making small, impactful changes today. 

Seasonal Produce is More Nutritious 

When fruits and vegetables are picked at their peak ripeness, they’re packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants compared to produce that was harvested out of season that may have traveled far and has probably been stored for long periods.

Research shows that the nutrient density of fruits and vegetables declines after harvest, so choosing locally grown, seasonal produce is often a more nutritious option. (1). 

Supporting Local Farms and Communities

When you buy in-season produce, you’re often supporting local farmers who focus on cultivating seasonal crops. This support allows small-scale farms to thrive, which also positively impacts your local economy. 

Another benefit of supporting small-scale farms is that they typically use organic farming practices, meaning your produce is more likely to be pesticide-free compared to mass-produced foods from larger conventional farms. 

Here are a few resources if you're looking to support your local farms:

Local harvest - A comprehensive directory of farms and farmer's markets across the U.S.

Farmer’s Market Directory by USDA - Find certified farmer’s markets near you. 

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) - Many CSAs offer shares of seasonal produce from local farms at affordable prices, giving you fresh produce each week. 

Reducing Environmental Impact 

When produce is grown far from where it’s sold, it travels hundreds or even thousands of miles to reach the store. Choosing locally grown, in-season foods reduces the environmental impact of food transportation. 

Environmental benefits:

  • Less Packaging Waste: Many local markets have minimal packaging compared to large grocery chains, which often wrap produce in plastic for transportation. 
  • Reduced Transportation Emissions: The less distance food has to travel, the lower the carbon emissions from planes, ships or trucks. 

Adapting to Seasonal Eating Can Be Simple and Enjoyable

If you’re new to seasonal eating, start small by choosing a few items each season that are in abundance. Get familiar with what fruits and vegetables are at their peak ripeness. This approach can help you build a rhythm around seasonal eating without overwhelm. Plus, cooking with seasonal ingredients is often simpler, as in-season produce tends to be packed with natural flavor, requiring less seasoning and preparation to shine.

Seasonal produce also tends to be more affordable due to shorter travel distances, lower production costs and higher supply. 

Seasonal Food Guide is a searchable tool that shows what is in season in your area. 

Seasonal Eating for Health and Sustainability

Eating seasonally has positive effects on both your health and the planet. As consumers, choosing to buy locally grown, in-season foods strengthens our communities, minimizes environmental impact and provides us with fresher, more nutrient-dense foods. 

With easy access to online resources, local markets and the growing availability of CSA subscriptions, it’s easier than ever to adopt seasonal eating practices that are both nourishing and sustainable. 

Start by exploring what’s in season in your area, make a trip to your local farmer’s market and embrace the seasonal benefits for your health and community. 


References:

  1. A comparison of the vitamin C content of fresh and frozen vegetables 
Maxine Nathan, BS Biology, NTP