Written by Emma Weber<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Access to quality produce is right around the corner. Many Searcy establishments, such as Burrito Day, Daisy\u2019s Lunchbox, The Natural Food Store, Wild Sweet William\u2019s and others, are taking advantage of local produce for quality ingredients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lisa Ford, owner of Wild Sweet William\u2019s, is one of those who enjoys sourcing produce locally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI know that the farmers we are buying from believe in rehabilitating the earth,\u201d Ford said. \u201cThey are feeding it; they are giving the nutrients they need. They are taking care of it, so we are getting produce with nutrients in it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ford has seen benefits in the quality of produce she is receiving in the beauty, health and taste of the produce. But what Ford enjoys most about her local produce is the relationships that come with it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRelationships are everything to us,\u201d Ford said. \u201cWe are a team who works together to create something that Searcy can enjoy and brings life to the community. \u2026 These are our friends. These are our neighbors, and we want them to thrive. I want to support my friends and neighbors so any time I can keep funds local and help take care of friends or neighbors is important to me.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One market that uses local produce is The Natural Food Store. One of their core values is their dedication to partnering with local farmers, according to their website. Eric McMullen, co-owner and nutrition specialist, said there is an importance to being in a loving relationship with your food. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt’s fresher, healthier and you are in a loving relationship with it,\u201d McMullen said. \u201cFood from a fast-food chain or big grocery store, six or seven people have been involved with that food, and you probably don’t know any of them. You are totally disconnected from the food, and it, even on a spiritual level, doesn’t serve you, as well. Local produce is a living, breathing part of every healthy and loving community, and it’s the heartbeat of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Five Acre Farms, owned by Brandon Gordon, is an active member of providing produce for the community. Gordon is proud of the quality of his produce. He said he believes that when you prioritize ethically sourced food from around the corner, you are getting a better product. In addition, Gordon is proud to keep money local.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt goes into these places like Burrito Day or Wild Sweet William\u2019s buying our stuff,\u201d Gordon said. \u201cThey pay \u2014 it’s just very cyclical.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
After some changes in staff, Gordon is now responsible for the actual harvest of the food. To Gordon, this is a very rewarding task. He said he enjoys getting to see how the product gets to the local markets to be sold. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really nice just to see the end product packaged up and heading out to all the places here,\u201d Gordon said. \u201cJust seeing something you can be proud of and how good it looks and knowing it\u2019s something people want \u2014 it\u2019s just a good feeling.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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