Bites of Life with Alex Joy

How to Eat Local: 5 Practical Tips for Supporting Farmers & Food MakersIf you live in Massachusetts or Rhode Island, these tips will be especially beneficial for you, but don't be afraid to scour the internet for a list of local farms and makers in your state! A simple Google search will show you what's available in your area!1. Farm Finder WebsitesA great way to see what farms, farmers markets, and local food makers are in your area!Mass Farmers Markets (Massachusetts)Farm Fresh RI (Rhode Island)2. Edible MagazinesEdible Communities is a network of over 90 independently owned, local food magazines across the U.S. and Canada that focus on sustainable food, local chefs, farmers, and food artisans. Founded in 2002, these publications provide hyper-local content, recipes, and stories about their respective culinary regions.Find Your Edible Magazine3. CSA SharesCommunity Supported Agriculture, or CSA, is a model where customers pay a sum of money to a farm of their choice at the start of a growing season in exchange for regular (usually weekly) shares of farm goods once harvesting begins. In New England, a typical season runs from May to October. The CSA model helps farmers cover upfront costs like seeds, tools, and infrastructure at the start of each season, while direct purchasing means better prices for customers, especially compared to grocery store pricing.4. Local Delivery ServicesDelivery services for local, responsibly produced dairy and meat products are popping up all over the country, with a curated catalog that typically offers more than just milk or beef. You can also find locally-made breads, cheeses, pantry items, prepared foods, desserts, and even gifts.Crescent Ridge (South Eastern Massachusetts)Munroe Dairy (Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut)5. Budget-Conscious OptionsEating local can be accessible to everyone if you know what resources are available to you. Many farmers markets and farm stores accept not just one, but several or even all four of these types of funds!Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Federal funds provided to low-income individuals and families to purchase food. Distributed monthly via an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, these benefits are used at authorized grocery stores, farmers' markets, and online retailers to buy groceriesHealthy Incentives Program (HIP): Provides SNAP households in Massachusetts with a monthly dollar-for-dollar match (up to $40–$80, depending on household size) for purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables directly from participating local farmers, farm stands, and CSAs. Instantly adds money back to EBT cards, increasing purchasing power for healthy food.Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Provides federal grants for supplemental nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and health care referrals to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children under age 5. Benefits are accessed via an eWIC debit card to purchase approved healthy foods.Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP): Provides eligible WIC participants and low-income seniors with annual coupons or electronic benefits to purchase fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs. These benefits, available June through November, are used at authorized farmers' markets and roadside stands to encourage healthier eating and support local agriculture.To find my latest seasonal recipes, restaurant recommendations, and more, subscribe to my Substack and be sure to follow me on Instagram @ajoyinthekitchen for even more deliciousness! Get full access to A Joy in the Kitchen at ajoyinthekitchen.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to the premiere episode of my brand new podcast, Bites of Life! Be sure to like, follow, and hit the notification button so you never miss an episode.I'm your host, Alex Joy. I'm a food writer and recipe developer and I LOVE talking to people about food, cooking, and eating. Bites of Life offers an intimate look at life through the lens of sharing unforgettable meals. Conversations with chefs, food writers, and culinary professionals will delve into their most meaningful meals and highlight how food shapes relationships, strengthens connections, and creates lasting memories. With a unique blend of culinary narratives, cultural stories, and personal journeys, the show brings a fresh perspective to the world of culinary podcasts.To find my latest seasonal recipes, restaurant recommendations, and more, subscribe to my Substack and be sure to follow me on Instagram @ajoyinthekitchen for even more deliciousness! Get full access to A Joy in the Kitchen at ajoyinthekitchen.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to Bites of Life! Mark your calendars, the first official episode drops March 17, 2026! Be sure to like, follow, and hit the notification button so you never miss an episode. I'm your host, Alex Joy. I'm a food writer and recipe developer and I LOVE talking to people about food, cooking, and eating. Bites of Life offers an intimate look at life through the lens of sharing unforgettable meals. Conversations with chefs, food writers, culinary professionals (and even some of my friends and family!) will delve into their most meaningful meals and highlight how food shapes relationships, strengthens connections, and creates lasting memories. With a unique blend of culinary narratives, cultural stories, and personal journeys, the show brings a fresh perspective to the world of culinary podcasts.To find my latest seasonal recipes, restaurant recommendations, and more, subscribe to my Substack and be sure to follow me on Instagram @ajoyinthekitchen for even more deliciousness! Get full access to A Joy in the Kitchen at ajoyinthekitchen.substack.com/subscribe