Wisconsin neighborhoods are loaded with opportunities for shoppers wanting to spend their hard-earned money close to home. This year, consider locally-produced items as holiday gifts. Whether purchasing locally-made food products, artistic items or other items for the home, buying locally is a way to purchase items in your own neighborhood for the benefit of your community.
Local retailers need our support this year and if they don't carry the item you want, most often are willing to order it for you. Saving your time and gas money can mean a saving in your own family budget and the knowledge that you have built a greater community.
Locally-grown produce and other food items not only ensures that your food is fresh but also you know that your product didn't need to travel across land and sea burning fuel to reach your dinner table. The Dane County Farmers Market offers winter locations that can make the trip from the farm to your table much shorter. The winter Dane County Farmers Market is at Monona Terrace every through Dec. 20; Jan. 3 through April 11 it moves to the Madison Senior Center. In counties like Green and Rock where there is no winter farmers market, ask your local grocer what is fresh of the local farm. In the 27th Senate District, the organic farm industry is booming; encourage your local grocer to carry items grown close to home.
Having a hard time deciding what to buy for that person that has everything while staying within your budget? How about a gift certificate to their hairdresser or barber, gas station, or local grocery store? Consider making useful gifts with your family. This year as families struggle to make their holidays a time of joy while living within their family budget; thinking creatively and locally can help. I wish you all a season filled with hope, joy, and lots of time with friends and family. If my office or I can ever be of service, please call (608) 266-6670.
- Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Waunakee, represents the 27th Senate District.
Local retailers need our support this year and if they don't carry the item you want, most often are willing to order it for you. Saving your time and gas money can mean a saving in your own family budget and the knowledge that you have built a greater community.
Locally-grown produce and other food items not only ensures that your food is fresh but also you know that your product didn't need to travel across land and sea burning fuel to reach your dinner table. The Dane County Farmers Market offers winter locations that can make the trip from the farm to your table much shorter. The winter Dane County Farmers Market is at Monona Terrace every through Dec. 20; Jan. 3 through April 11 it moves to the Madison Senior Center. In counties like Green and Rock where there is no winter farmers market, ask your local grocer what is fresh of the local farm. In the 27th Senate District, the organic farm industry is booming; encourage your local grocer to carry items grown close to home.
Having a hard time deciding what to buy for that person that has everything while staying within your budget? How about a gift certificate to their hairdresser or barber, gas station, or local grocery store? Consider making useful gifts with your family. This year as families struggle to make their holidays a time of joy while living within their family budget; thinking creatively and locally can help. I wish you all a season filled with hope, joy, and lots of time with friends and family. If my office or I can ever be of service, please call (608) 266-6670.
- Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Waunakee, represents the 27th Senate District.
