Assisted living communities are designed to provide residents with the support they need to maintain their health and well-being. One way that many assisted living communities support the health of their residents is by providing them with locally sourced fruits and vegetables. Here are nine reasons why assisted living communities in Garner, NC provide local fruits and vegetables for their residents.
Nutritional Benefits
One of the key reasons assisted living communities in Garner, NC provide local fruits and vegetables for their residents is the nutritional benefits these foods offer. Fruits and vegetables are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for maintaining good health and preventing chronic diseases. By sourcing their produce locally, assisted living communities can ensure their residents get the freshest and most nutritious produce possible.Â
Locally sourced fruits and vegetables are often picked at the peak of ripeness, which means they contain higher levels of nutrients than produce shipped from other regions or countries. By providing residents with local fruits and vegetables, assisted living communities can help support their overall health and well-being, essential for maintaining a high quality of life.
Support for Local Farmers
By sourcing their produce locally, assisted living communities can support local farmers and help promote the local economy. This can be important for residents interested in supporting their local community.
Environmental Benefits
Local produce has a smaller carbon footprint than those shipped from other regions or countries. By sourcing their produce locally, assisted living communities can help reduce their impact on the environment and promote sustainability.
Cost-Effective
Local produce is often less expensive than those shipped from other regions or countries. By sourcing their produce locally, assisted living communities can save money on food costs, which can help keep costs down for residents.
Seasonal Varieties
Another reason assisted living communities in Garner, NC, provide local fruits and vegetables for their residents is the availability of seasonal varieties. Locally sourced produce is often harvested at the peak of its season, which means that it is fresher and more flavorful than produce shipped from other regions or countries.Â
Assisted living communities can keep mealtime interesting and flavorful by providing residents with various seasonal produce while supporting the local farming community. Seasonal varieties also offer a wider range of nutrients, as different fruits and vegetables are in season at different times of the year. This means that residents can enjoy a variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the year, which is important for maintaining a healthy and balanced diet.Â
Overall, providing seasonal varieties of local fruits and vegetables can help improve the overall health and well-being of residents while also supporting the local economy.
Community Building
Sourcing products locally can help build a sense of community within the assisted living community. Residents may feel a sense of pride in knowing that the food they eat comes from local farmers and helps support the local economy.
Better Taste
Local fruits and vegetables are often fresher and more flavorful than produce that has been shipped from other regions or countries. This can be especially important for residents with decreased taste or appetite due to age or health conditions.
Healthier Options
Local fruits and vegetables are often grown using fewer pesticides and chemicals than produce shipped from other regions or countries. This can help ensure that residents are consuming healthier, chemical-free produce.
Increased Access
Sourcing locally can help increase residents’ access to fresh fruits and vegetables. This can be especially important for residents with limited mobility or transportation options and needing access to fresh produce.
