Do you look for organically grown when you buy fruits and vegetables? A recent report by Scarborough Research says 17 percent of Americans now buy organic food on a regular basis. In our area, it's lower -- just 10 percent are choosing "all natural".

"Radishes, turnips, collard greens."

Lynchburg Grows is growing. And in two years they can be certified by the federal government as "organic" but…

Michael VanNess, Lynchburg Grows - "I don't know if we'll ever get truly certified. There's a lot of paperwork and a lot of expense that goes with that and as I said we're really trying to get the public to think beyond organic and to think about local food systems."

Organic food means it's grown using absolutely no artificial chemicals. Right now, if you buy it in a grocery store, more than likely, did not come from our area. And Van Ness says the more time food is off the vine, the less likely you are to get the nutrients from it.

VanNess - "Many of the benefits of organic produce are lost just by the vast miles that it's shipped. Most 90 percent of our vegetables travel 1,900 miles to get to our plate."

And that'll cost you. Scarborough research reports the average organic customer spends $127 per week on food. At Lynchburg Grows you can buy a four week supply for $60.

VanNess - "It's the best food deal in Lynchburg."

Proof that going local can really pay off! Lynchburg grows is a non profit urban farm behind City Stadium in Lynchburg. Click here if Eat Organic Veggies, Help Lynchburg Grows
you want to find out more about buying local at Lynchburg Grows.