What we eat shapes who we are, and that’s true for everyone—humans, plants, and animals. The quality of our food matters, from the soil it grows in to the table it reaches. It can impact our health and how we feel after meals.
“Food has energy and love in it,” says Kerry Clasby from Intuitive Forager. Her business connects farmers to local markets in Las Vegas, part of the growing farm-to-table movement. More people are becoming aware of how their food is grown and who grows it.
Over the past century, industrial farming has turned agriculture into a process that often sacrifices quality for efficiency. Many foods are now shipped from hundreds of miles away, losing nutrients along the journey. “After World War II, we built highways, and farming shifted to large-scale operations,” Clasby explains. “We need to change our food systems for a healthier future.”
Clasby runs a 16-acre organic farm in Malibu and sources food from 150 farms with high standards. Her weekly farmers market brings fresh produce to Las Vegas, bridging the gap between consumers and farmers.
Chef Nicole Brisson shares a similar passion for quality ingredients. Growing up on a family farm in New York, she learned about food cycles and preserving freshness. “In Italy, everything is processed with care; you see it in the taste and quality,” she says. “In the U.S., the focus is often on speed, not quality.”
Brisson believes in sourcing the best ingredients, even if it means spending more. It’s not only for chefs; anyone willing to seek out fresh produce can experience the benefits. “Buying local foods can transform the way you feel after a meal,” she adds.
Another local producer, Diane Greene of Herbs by Diane, highlights the importance of healthy soil and compost in growing great food. She runs a two-acre garden in Boulder City, focusing on what plants need without using harmful chemicals. “Taste improves with good compost and care,” Greene explains. Her commitment isn’t just about profit but building relationships with customers who value quality food.
For those curious about sourcing their food, Clasby recommends asking farmers about pest and weed management practices. “Understanding how they grow food can lead to better choices,” she suggests. Past uses of chemicals like DDT and glyphosate have prompted many to look for organic and sustainable options. Freshly harvested food usually contains more nutrients, which is key for good health.
Chefs like Brisson and Brian Howard of Sparrow & Wolf emphasize the link between high-quality ingredients and well-being. Howard recalls how his love for food grew when he tasted fresh produce that changed his perception of what food could be. He insists that understanding ingredient quality allows for a more enjoyable dining experience.
As Las Vegas evolves into a food city, the push for fresh, local ingredients continues to grow. Fontainebleau Las Vegas, for example, uses massive quantities of fresh produce and meats while maintaining quality through direct relationships with farmers. “We select the best ingredients and pay a little extra for quality,” says Joseph Leibowitz, a culinary operations leader there. The commitment to local sourcing has shaped a new dining culture in the city.
Many local farms are contributing to this movement. Rose Creek Farm, a community farm, offers seasonal produce and fresh eggs, promoting accessibility. Desert Moon Mushrooms specializes in high-quality fungi, with plans to be SNAP EBT eligible, making fresh mushrooms more affordable. Cluck It Farm provides a subscription service for seasonal produce, further connecting locals to their food sources.
Visiting farmers’ markets can be a great way to experience the local food scene. Markets like the Las Vegas Farmers Market and Fresh52 Farmers & Artisans Market offer fresh produce weekly. These markets foster community and support local growers, making healthy eating a community affair.
Supporting local farmers not only nourishes our bodies but also strengthens community ties and promotes sustainable practices. A little extra effort to choose fresh, local food can lead to a healthier, happier lifestyle.
