Eating locally grown produce is great for your health, your budget and the economy. Everyone knows that vegetables and fruit are good for you but did you know that they begin to lose their nutrients after they are harvested? If you buy locally grown food you can be guaranteed that the produce has just been harvested so that it will have the optimum amount of nutrients, taste and freshness. Buying fresh produce is inexpensive and it is a great way to stock your fridge with healthy snacks that require little effort to be munched on. Fruit and Vegetables are also very satiating so they will curb your hunger and stop you from eating more expensive and unhealthy processed foods. Agriculture is the top industry in the state of Virginia. There are more than 46,000 farms that take up over 8 million acres of land and it provides jobs for more than 300,000 people. Supporting this locally based industry puts money directly into your state’s coffers which you will reap the benefits of. Feel good about supporting your local farmers and know that buying locally grown produce is the best solution for both you and them.