WHY IS THIS A THING?

Organic Food

Benefits • Where to Find It

The term “organic” refers to the way agricultural products are grown and processed. In the United States, the law requires produce to be grown and harvested without pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms.

Organic livestock bred for meat, eggs, and dairy products are raised in living conditions accommodating their natural behaviors (e.g., grazing on pasture) and fed organic feed and forage. Farmers and ranchers may not administer antibiotics, growth hormones, or any animal by-products.

Research has concluded, for most products, there is no significant difference in the nutrition between conventional and organic food.1 A 2016 European study did show levels of certain nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, were up to 50 percent higher in organic meat and milk than in conventionally raised versions. It follows, for the most part, the goodness is not what is in the food but what is not.

Organic produce does not have preservatives so it is sold fresher, often from nearby farms to guarantee viability. Experts recommend researching and buying in season; products are cheapest and freshest when they are at peak ripeness. All farming, by necessity, incorporates pesticides.

The difference, for organic produce, is the pesticides' origin—organic pesticides are derived from natural sources. These natural sources are usually plants, as is the case with pyrethrum (pyrethins), rotenone or ryania (botanical insecticides), or minerals, such as boric acid, cryolite, or diatomaceous earth.

Studies have shown a primarily organic diet may provide the following benefits. It gives children a lower risk of eczema and allergies. For all ages, higher levels of antioxidants found in certain organic foods can help strengthen immune systems and contribute to better overall health. The reduction in the amount of pesticides in organic foods may also be good for healthier, clearer skin.2

WHERE TO BUY

Visit The Wilco Farmers Market at the Georgetown

Library Parking Lot (corner of 8th & Martin Luther

King, Jr. St.) Thursdays 10am–2pm, and in Sun City (2

Texas Drive) Tuesdays 9am–12noon. The Wolf Ranch Farmers Market is every Saturday, 9am–1pm in the parking lot of the Wolf Ranch Shopping Center. The Round Rock Farmers Market, Saturdays 10am2pm year round at 201 University Oaks Blvd, behind

Ikea.

Natural Grocers, 301 W University Ave, Georgetown, open 9am-9pm Mon-Sat and 9am-7:35pm on

Sundays.

These fruits and vegetables have the highest pesticide levels3, so are best to buy organic: Apples  Celery  Cucumbers  Potatoes  Grapes  Kale/Collard Greens Spinach  Peaches  Cherry Tomatoes Strawberries  Hot Peppers  Summer Squash  Sweet Bell Peppers  Nectarines (imported)

1 Mayo Clinic 2 wwmedgroup.com 3 Environmental Working Group

The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Jan. 17, 2022, marks the 37th annual national celebration of his life and legacy. We may not be able to gather or have parades but this day is considered, by many, to be “a day on, not a day off.”

MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. So, if you’re looking for a unique way to help in Georgetown... United Way of Williamson County unites people and organizations throughout Williamson County to build stronger communities and improve lives. Multiple projects for all age groups, Jan. 17, 9am-Noon.

Email: jordan.gutierrez-ramirez@uwatx.org Project Linus has many chapters across the United

States. Their mission is to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to childr0en who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer "blanketeers." CentexProjectLinus. wixsite.com

The NEST Empowerment Center is a safe haven after the bell rings that offers basic needs, counseling, academic and enrichment support for GISD high school students who are homeless, at-risk or living in transition. Bebe Johnson, Center Coordinator, is at the NEST 3-7pm Mon–Thurs. 512-819-4200.

There are many websites with opportunity searches to find just the right service project for your skills and interests.

NationalService.gov

VolunteerMatch.org CatchAFire.org JustServe.org MakeUseOf.com

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