There are lots of advantages to eating food that’s been grown or raised close to home. Shorter shipping distances mean lowered greenhouse gas emissions and, often, reduced packaging. Buying locally produced food also boosts the local economy. And eating a local diet can foster a stronger connection to your food source.

Although there’s no conclusive evidence that locally grown food is safer or more nutritious, what we do know is that these shoppers enjoy other health benefits. “Consumers who choose a local diet tend to prepare their foods from scratch, and are less likely to use prepackaged convenience foods,” says registered dietitian Carole Chang, who works as a public health nutritionist with the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit in Ontario. “Homemade food tends to be lower in sodium and fat and higher in whole grains.”

Despite the benefits, it’s not always easy to eat locally. Read on for solutions to common snags that will help you add more homegrown food to your menu.