Sustainable Eating in CoMo

In Columbia, the way we eat has an impact that goes far beyond our plates. Choosing locally grown food helps cut greenhouse gas emissions, supports regional farms, and strengthens our community’s self-reliance and resilience. It’s a small shift with meaningful climate benefits.

Why Local Food Matters for the Climate

Most of the food in U.S. grocery stores travels hundreds or even thousands of miles before it gets to us. Transportation requires fuel, refrigeration, and packaging—all of which contribute to carbon emissions. By contrast, food grown in Boone County or nearby travels a much shorter distance. The result: lower emissions, fresher produce, and fewer resources spent on storage and shipping.

Supporting local growers also means investing in lower-impact farming practices that can improve soil health and biodiversity. These practices make our food system more resilient to extreme weather and supply chain disruptions.

Farmers' Markets in CoMo

Columbia has three established farmers' markets where residents can connect directly with local producers:

• Columbia Farmers Market — Operating year-round at the Columbia Agriculture Park, this market is the largest in the area and features nearly 100 vendors.
   columbiafarmersmarket.org
• Boone County Farmers Market — A seasonal market held on Thursdays in the Columbia Mall parking lot, offering produce and goods from nearby farms.
   boonecountyfarmers.com
• Orr Street Farm & Art Market — A mix of local produce, handmade goods, and art, hosted by the North Village Arts District.
   northvillageartsdistrict.org

These markets aren’t just shopping destinations—they’re a direct link to the people who grow food in our region. Buying from them keeps more food dollars circulating locally and supports farms that might otherwise be edged out by large-scale industrial agriculture.

Want to deep dive into CoMo’s farmers’ market? Watch this documentary.:

Cutting Food Waste at Home

Reducing waste is another way to lower the climate footprint of what we eat. When food goes to a landfill, it generates methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Planning meals, storing produce correctly, freezing leftovers, and composting when possible all make a difference.

Shopping at farmers markets can also help minimize waste. Much of the food is sold unpackaged or in reusable containers, cutting down on single-use plastics. Some growers will even offer bulk produce for canning, freezing, or preserving—all ways to extend the life of what you buy.

Local Food as Community Resilience

Strengthening local food systems isn’t just good for the environment. It makes Columbia more resilient. When more of what we eat is produced close to home, we’re less vulnerable to global supply chain issues and better prepared for the challenges that come with climate change.

Take Action: Visit a Columbia farmers market this season. Bring your own bags, talk with growers, and explore what’s available. Supporting local food is a practical step toward a healthier climate and a stronger, more resilient community.