Let’s review what we learned during the last lesson Let’s review what we learned during the last lesson. Can anyone tell me what they remember? (List ideas on the blackboard.) So overall, we learned that everyone eats food, food comes from around the world, and that some foods are grown in Massachusetts while other foods are not. During the last lesson, what did we learn about foods grown in Massachusetts?

There are many different places where people can buy food. There are many different places that people can buy food. Can you give me some ideas? (List answers on the blackboard.)

(Boston Public Market) Farmers’ Market (Boston Public Market) Supermarket Look at this list of places we made of locations where people can buy food. Can you buy local food at all of these places? Yes, you can buy locally-grown foods at all of these places. Remember, you can also buy food at farmers’ markets and farmstands. These places are typically open in the spring, summer, and fall. People can also get food from their own gardens. Does anyone here have a garden at home? (Raise hands.) What kinds of foods do you grow in your garden? Last time, we talked about different signs that showed us if food was local. Do you remember these signs? Farmstand (Russell Orchards, Ipswich) Garden

There are few ways that we can tell if a food is grown locally There are few ways that we can tell if a food is grown locally. Usually, signs help us determine where a food is grown. Here are some signs that show foods are grown in Massachusetts. (Show signs.)

Money and gasoline are saved when locally grown foods are bought. Is it better to buy local foods than to buy local foods from far away? Yes; there are many benefits to buying local foods. However, it is important to remember that some foods only come from far-away places. When this is the case, we should still buy these foods. There are many reasons why it is a good idea to buy foods grown in Massachusetts. One reason is because money and gasoline are saved when foods do not have to be transported far. Money and gasoline are saved when locally grown foods are bought.

Locally grown food usually tastes and looks better. Another reason it is a good idea to buy local foods is because the food usually tastes and looks better. Fruits and vegetables are fresher, crunchier, and juicier.

The nutrients in local foods keep us healthy and strong. Another reason is because foods that are grown locally are usually better for us. Since they don’t have to travel far before we eat them, they still have a lot of the healthy nutrients in them that are good for our growing bodies. The nutrients in local foods keep us healthy and strong.

Buying food from local farmers helps to provide them with jobs. When we buy foods from local farmers, we are helping to provide them with jobs. If we did not buy from these farmers, they would not have jobs.

Buying local foods helps to maintain open space. When we buy local foods, we are also helping to protect the environment. The land that food is grown on is kept open. It is not used to build homes, schools, airports, or anything else. This also helps to the air we breathe and the soil that nourishes plants, flowers, and trees.

Locally grown foods grow on land that is the home to wildlife. Finally, it is important to buy food that is grown locally because doing so protects the homes of wildlife. With open space, the habitats of birds, animals, reptiles, and fish are preserved and they are able to keep living in those areas.