Survey: Eaters look to buy local during pandemic

Adirondack Harvest wanted to gauge people’s desire to source more food that’s locally grown and produced, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The organization posted a survey, which generated 162 responses. Here are some key take-aways:

• 93% self-identified as “a long-time supporter of local food.”
• Two-thirds of people who responded said they are buying MORE local food than before because of COVID-19.
• An even greater number of people shared they have decided to purchase more local food because they want to support local businesses.

People were asked where they are buying local food (people could choose all that applied to them).

• 50% of people buy food at farmers’ markets.
• 25% at farm pick-ups, farmstands, and CSAs.
• 20% at co-ops.
• 13%, or 21 people, received home deliveries.
• Many people took the opportunity to list their very favorite way to get local food, naming specific businesses, like ADK Purveyors, Dogwood Bakery, Nori’s, Green Goddess, Ernie’s, The Hub on the Hill, Snowy Grocery, and the egg stand near their home.

About 70% of people said they are cooking more because of COVID-19; 20% of these people are cooking 12 or more meals a week than previously.

Carly Summers digs into the data in a column posted to Adirondack Harvest’s website and at the Almanack here: https://www.adirondackalmanack.com/2020/05/survey-people-are-buying-more-local-food-during-pandemic.html

Photo: Cheese cave at Sugar House Creamery. Sugar House has a farmstore and also hosts
the Snowy Grocery Farmers’ Market. Image provided by Adirondack Harvest.