I noticed the issue of seasonal food came up in another thread, and by sheer coincidence, I came across this site this morning, which may be of interest to some.
If you're in the UK, just punch in your postcode to find PYO and farm shops closest to you.
http://www.bigbarn.co.uk/
"By promoting Asparagus on the back of their delivery vans Tesco is telling customers not to worry about food miles, or British seasonal foods. To me, another sign of their arrogance and complacency."
Yeah, amazing how people can find a conspiracy behind a picture on a truck.
On the other hand, I'm forced to agree. Support farmers markets, shopping wagons, the people who grown the food that have farm stands. It's always good for the locals, fresh and can be different from the neutered commercial varieties. You get to meet some nice people too!
I suppose the same can be said for avoiding big chain restaurants. Not because a cow changes depending on who burns it on their grill, catsup is much different, pickles are from some special soil, or the lettuce comes from some magic plant, but because local business puts more back into the local economy and the people can be much more friendly and flexible. People who work at their own business usually care more too.