GMOs, additives, coatings, synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides—oh my! In today’s world, a visit to the grocery store can feel like it requires a dictionary. Staring at food labels in grocery aisles and attempting to decipher unpronounceable additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients printed in tiny type can leave even the most diligent shopper overwhelmed.

Reading and understanding food labels is possible, but often only after consulting resources such as the Environmental Working Group website (EWG.org). EWG works to protect human health and the environment, offering consumer guides that help individuals make informed purchasing decisions by revealing potential health risks in food, water, and everyday products.

The Weston A. Price Foundation

The Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF) is a valuable source of accurate information on nutrition and health, dedicated to providing scientific validation of traditional foodways. WAPF educates individuals on how to incorporate nourishing traditional foods into their diets through informed choices and proper preparation techniques. The result is vibrant health at every stage of life, including for future generations.

Medea Galligan has served as the Weston A. Price Collier County chapter leader for the past three years. A Bonita Springs resident, Galligan moved from Asheville to Southwest Florida in 2018 and served as Director of Health and Wellness at The Club at the Strand. After leaving that role, she began developing her practice as a holistic functional medicine nutritionist and has worked with clients of all ages since 1998.

“We just celebrated WAPF’s 25th anniversary, and there are currently about 600 chapters worldwide. My first responsibility as a volunteer chapter leader was to prepare a comprehensive resource list. Mine is 13 pages long and includes where to buy grass-fed beef, raw milk, organic vegetables, landscaping and gardening materials, as well as healthy restaurants, farmers markets, and health practitioners. It’s attached to our monthly newsletter,” Galligan says.

“We have a very active chapter, with more than 350 people on our email list and about 300 followers on Facebook. Our monthly meetings feature different speakers and generally draw 40 to 50 attendees, including young families with children. We rotate topics—permaculture, growing food, holistic health, and whatever feels most relevant. We’ll be meeting on January 18 at Eagles Nest Community Garden in Naples,” Galligan adds. She also offers free community wellness workshops for local groups.

The Freshest and Most Nutritious Food from the Farm

Kara Thornton launched Plantacious Girl Farm LLC at the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade several years ago. Now entering her third season, she continues to grow her operation while inspiring the community to seek healthier food options.

“I’m growing nutrient-rich lettuces, greens, seasonal vegetables, and herbs in 36 aeroponic towers, and I also offer raw, unpasteurized honey,” Thornton says. “I have a hoop house in my backyard as well. This season, I’m focusing on home deliveries and adding a couple of pickup locations.”

Orders can be placed online at PlantaciousGirl.com. Thornton sends out a text message with a link to her weekly menu on Sundays, allowing customers to order and select one of three pickup locations.

Kara Thornton, Plantacious Girl Farm

Inyoni Farm CSA, Naples

A staple at the Saturday morning Third Street Farmers Market in Naples since nearly its inception, Nick Batty, owner of Inyoni Farm, has been farming longer than many of the shoppers who now prefer to buy organic produce.

“I’m still making a living and enjoying being in the field after 27 years. Today, I farm seven acres,” says Batty, who describes his operation as a “market garden.” “I grow baby greens, arugula, spinach, baby kale, mixed greens, chard, collards, dandelion, kale, and root vegetables such as radishes, turnips, and onions, along with herbs like cilantro, parsley, and dill. We also grow tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and bok choy.”

Batty’s long tenure in Naples has allowed him to build a strong network of farmers markets. “The Saturday Third Street Market is one of my favorites, along with the Vanderbilt Farmers Market. We also participate in two Wednesday markets: the Marco Island Farmers Market from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Grumpy Coffee Company in Bonita Springs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. We offer a Saturday farm pickup after orders are placed online on Thursday,” he says.

Being educated about the sources and contents of our food empowers us to make choices that align with our values.

Nick Batty has been operating his 7-acre organic Inyoni Farm for over 27 years.

 Local Resources:

Weston A. Price Foundation, WestonAPrice.org. For more information visit MedeasHealthyLifestyleconcepts.com 

Plantacious Girl Farm LLC. For more information call 239-450-6678. Visit PlantaciousGirl.com.

InyoniOrganicFarm is located at 960 Deer Run Lane, in Naples. For more information, call 239-980-3605. Visit InyoniOrganicFarm.store.

Food Buying Clubs and Co-ops

Raw Dairy

 Tamber Robinson with husband Cole, M & M Farms