Today’s consumers are incredibly interested in knowing where the food they eat comes from. For many, using local produce is a signifier that restaurants care about what they put into their dishes and that they strive to be as transparent as possible with their customers. Making the swap to local suppliers will help bring in more of these conscientious eaters and provide the benefits discussed here.

Why Restaurants Should Use Local Produce

1. Supports Local Economy

When you spend money supporting businesses in your area, it helps your community thrive. Solid local businesses equal a healthy local economy, which keeps residents patronizing their town's shops and restaurants, creating a strong cycle of wealth recirculation and growth for the community.

2. Ensures Fresh Ingredients

The fruits and vegetables on grocery shelves often must travel thousands of miles. Extra preservatives are used to ensure the produce withstands the trip, but chemical additives like nitrates and nitrites don't support the body's good health. Additionally, produce starts losing nutrients within 24 hours of being picked.

When you source your ingredients from local suppliers, you are more likely to get items picked at their peak ripeness. This ensures they are packed with nutrients and taste more appealing to your customers. As they don’t have to travel far, it’s also less likely they'll be treated with chemicals, gasses, or waxes for preservation purposes.

3. Creates Versatility

As the seasons change, farmers will rotate their crops. This provides an opportunity to change up your menu based on the available local produce. Having limited specialty items can make your restaurant more appealing to customers, who anticipate seasonal favorites and what you'll create from one season to the next.

Choosing local vendors also lets you discover what the farmers in your region specialize in. You can then build intriguing dishes based on those unique ingredients.

For fresh, local produce in the greater St. Louis and St. Charles areas, turn to Ole Tyme Produce Inc. For over 50 years, this distributor has supplied area restaurants, hospitals, and colleges with food from local growers and producers. View their selection of cheese, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and specialty items by visiting their website, or call (314) 436-5010 for information on becoming a customer.