It's better for the economy: Several major studies in the last decade have examined the impact of shopping at local businesses versus national chains. These studies have all determined that for every $100 spent at a local store, roughly $45 stayed in the local economy. For that same amount of spending at a national big box store, the local economic impact was only $13 to $14. When it comes to groceries and produce, the impact may be even greater. Farmers, which now make up less than 1 percent of the nation's workforce, make far less profit on retail food that must travel a great distance. By selling locally, farmers can cut out the middle-men and expensive distribution routes, thus making farming a more profitable and viable profession.

When you purchase baby food from Urban Baby Gourmet, you are not only supporting the local economy by helping our independent local business, but also supporting all the local farms we purchase food from.

It's better for the environment: It's no surprise that locally-grown foods have a smaller carbon footprint than those grown in other parts of the country or world. It is estimated that in recent years, before the push for locally grown food awareness, the average grocery item traveled 1,500 miles to get to our dinner table. Because local foods do not have to be shipped such a great distance, they are far better for environment because they contribute less to pollution. Additionally, when local farms and their products are in high demand, it gives a reason to keep local open spaces and pastures undeveloped and better preserves the local agricultural landscape.

When you purchase baby food from Urban Baby Gourmet, you are doing a small part to preserve local agriculture and mitigate the unnecessary environmental impact of shipping baby food.