HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU found yourself traveling and chosen to dine at an eatery native to the town you’re visiting?
You likely noticed how fresh the food tastes, the friendly service that made you feel at home and the local patrons you can tell are regulars.
There is probably a restaurant just like this in your own backyard — and they need your support.
Sure, chain restaurants have their benefits. However, they are more likely to take cues from a national office that deems where food is purchased and how prices are enforced.
Owners of independent restaurants are more apt to put their hard-earned dollars back into their community by shopping locally and creating jobs for your peers.
Next time you have an urge to dine out, you should consider putting dollars into the hands of local small business owners who have their neighborhood’s best interests in mind.
HOW LOCAL EATERIES SUPPORT COMMUNITY
According to the organization Local Harvest, the average commute for fruit and vegetables in the United States is 1,500 miles. For food to travel that distance, commercially grown food is engineered to remain fresh.
Locally owned restaurants are more inclined to support their local farmers and economy by purchasing food directly from the source.
Not only does this make food taste better, it keeps money in the community.
DONATIONS TO FOOD BANKS
A great way many local restaurants give back to their community is by donating goods to local food banks. According to Feeding America, 41 million people face hunger in the U.S. today, including nearly 13 million children and more than 5 million seniors.
When small business owners donate their excess foods to the shelves of food shelters and banks, those in need are guaranteed a fresh meal. Your support matters.
By dining in a local establishment, you can help the company flourish and ensure its charitable doors remain open.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Local eateries are constantly looking for ways to remain relevant in a world where chain restaurants are popping up across the nation. If they are holding an event in your neighborhood, try to clear your schedule to show your support.
Many of these events include receiving donations for charity or hosting an affordable meal that gets the community together.
