In the last couple of years I have become more aware of the importance of eating local and knowing where my food is coming from. One way you can eat local in Ballard is to go to the Farmer’s Market Sundays on Ballard Avenue. Another way you can eat local the rest of the week is to shop at local, independently owned specialty food stores instead of at chain grocery stores.

We are lucky that Ballard has so many of them nearby but I wanted to write about two of my favorites, Top Banana and Better Meat Inc.

When I first arrived in Ballard I was excited to learn of the existence of Top Banana (6501 15th Ave. N.W). In the neighborhood I grew up in there were two fresh produce stores across the street from each other and I fondly remember going with my grandfather to get fruits and vegetables. I took it as a very good sign that Ballard could support a store such as this.

Top Banana has a great selection of affordable high quality produce, most of which is grown in Washington when it is in season. They also carry local eggs, milk and yogurt. Did I mention it is a really great place to shop with great customer service?

I remember one summer day I was going to have a barbecue so I loaded up on some produce, including a big bag of Rainier cherries. I went on a couple of other errands and when I got home, I noticed that the cherries hadn’t been put into my bag. I went back later just before closing time and the cashier remembered me. He took me back into the cooler and let me take as many Rainier cherries as I wanted. It was a very tempting offer but I somehow managed to take about as much as I had purchased. If the guy who helped me out with my cherries that day is reading this, thank you!

The next stop on my pre-barbecue errands that day was Better Meat Inc. (305 N.W. 82nd St.). They are a real live butcher shop, and like Top Banana, sell a lot of locally produced products, the products in their case being meat.

Even if the meat isn’t local, it is high quality and they know where it comes from. The butchers are very friendly and knowledgeable and cut up the meat right in front of you. If you want to wait a couple of days before you eat your meat, they will vacuum seal it up for you as well. I have purchased a lot of great chicken, beef and lamb from them and have never been disappointed.

Later that evening, I had a great barbecue where I had nice center cut steaks and some vegetables along with some Maritime Pacific IPA (brewed in Ballard!) and some Rainier cherries for dessert.

It is more important than ever to support local businesses like Top Banana and Better Meat Inc. Money is getting tighter and for many people, their food budget is an area where you can make some easy cuts.

It is times like these when you really have to remember that your economic decisions have consequences not only for you but the businesses you choose to support. These are the times when local businesses need your support most of all.

If you want to ensure that there are local farmers and ranchers, as well as independent food shops, support your local stores, especially Top Banana and Better Meat Inc. Your stomach will be glad you did.