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Gerbs Pumpkin Butter Cran-Raisin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

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Gerbs Pumpkin Butter Cran-Raisin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

1 ½ cup Gerbs Light Salt Pumpkin Butter

1 large egg (substitute flax egg)

½ cup Brown Sugar (packed)

½ cup Stevia In The Raw

¼ tsp Baking soda

¾ cup Gerbs Rolled Oats

½ cup Gerbs Dried Cranberries (loosely packed)

½ cut Gerbs Raisins (loosely packed)

1 teaspoon powdered sea salt

Instructions

In a large ceramic (room temperature) mixing bowl, stir Gerbs Pumpkin Butter, brown sugar and Stevia vigorously until fully creamed. Add egg and stir well.

In a separate bowl whisk together the baking soda, Gerbs Rolled Oats, cranberries and raisins; then incorporate this into the large bowl and fold together until fully mixed.

Put dough/mixture in fridge for at least 30 minutes (or as long as 2 days).

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Scoop cookie dough with 1 and 1/2 tablespoon size cookie scoop, place into palm of your hand and roll into a ball (Hint: Use a small amount of cold water onto each palm). Place on a prepared cookie sheet and gently flatten with your fingers, a fork or the bottom of a glass. Space cookies 2″ apart on the sheet.

Bake cookies for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool cookies on a baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer onto cooling rack to cool completely.

Gerbs Pumpkin Butter Recipe Ingredients

Gerbs Fried Green Tomatoes

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Gerbs Fried Green Tomatoes

Summer vegetables are right around the corner, home gardens and the bountiful farmers markets across the region, give you so many options! When these tomatoes are frying, Galen and I can close our eye’s and we are transported back to Dennisport Cape Cod, in a small cottage on the beach, the sound of waves, fresh percolated coffee, bacon, eggs, and our mother Lorraine frying a fresh batch of Green Tomatoes (she also did Zucchini Flowers)! Printable recipe images at the bottom.

Ingredients:

  • 4 large Green Tomatoes
  • 2 Eggs (substitute with Flax Egg)
  • 1/2 cup Milk (substitute flax milk)
  • 1 cup Gerbs All-Purpose Flour
  • 1/2 cup Gerbs Super 5 Seed Meal
  • 1/2 cup Gerbs Breadcrumbs
  • 2 teaspoons Gerbs Himalayan Sea Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Gerbs Ground Black pepper
  • Pinch Gerbs Rosemary Garlic Seasoning
  • ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese (optional)
  • 1 quart Sunflower/Pumpkin Oil

Directions:

  • Slice tomatoes 1/2 inch thick. Do not include ends. Place on large board and coat with sea salt to extract natural juices, let stand 10 minutes.
  • Whisk eggs and milk together in a medium-size bowl.
  • Sift flour onto a large plate, set aside. Mix Super Seed Meal, breadcrumbs, rosemary garlic mix, salt & pepper on another plate. Dip tomatoes into flour to coat. Then dip the tomatoes into milk and egg mixture. Dredge in breadcrumbs to completely coat.
  • In a large cast iron skillet, pour sunflower oil (enough so that there is 1/2 inch of oil in the pan) and heat over a medium-high heat. Place tomatoes into the frying pan 5 or 6, depending on the size of your skillet. Overcrowding your skillet, allowing tomatoes to touch will decrease temperature and likelihood of getting a good crust. When the tomatoes are browned fork flip and fry them on the other side. Remove fried tomatoes and place on paper towels. Top with Parmesan cheese (optional).


Gerbs Banana Date & Vanilla Smoothie

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Gerbs Banana Date & Vanilla SmoothieGerbs Banana Date & Vanilla Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 cup unsweetened Flax or Sunflower Milk

1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional)

1 large frozen banana

4 – 5 ice cubes or another frozen banana

3 – 4 Gerbs Dates (pre-soaked in warm bath)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Gerbs Banana Date Smoothie

DIRECTIONS:

Soak Dates in very warm water for 30-40 minutes prior to use. Combine ingredients in high power blender and blend until smooth, about two minutes. Add a splash or two of stevia extract if you prefer a sweeter smoothie.

You may have visually small pieces of dates within the shake. That’s ok, and even with those I had no trouble using my straw without having to clear the bottom of it maybe once or twice….Those little chunks are so caramelly and delicious!

Serves 1

Gerbs Banana Date & Vanilla Smoothie

7 Health Benefits of Gerbs Dark Chocolate Chips

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Health Benefits of Gerbs Dark Chocolate ChipsHealth Benefits of Gerbs Dark Chocolate Chips

Dark chocolate is loaded with nutrients that can positively affect your health. Made from the seed of the cocoa tree, it is one of the best sources of antioxidants on the planet. Studies show that dark chocolate (not the sugary crap) can improve your health and lower the risk of heart disease. This article reviews 7 health benefits of dark chocolate or cocoa that are supported by science.

Dark Chocolate Beans

  1. Very Nutritious

If you buy quality dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, then it is actually quite nutritious. It contains a decent amount of soluble fiber and is loaded with minerals.

100-grams of dark chocolate contains:

11 grams of fiber

67% of the RDI for iron

58% of the RDI for magnesium

89% of the RDI for copper

98% of the RDI for manganese

It also has plenty of potassium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium. Of course, 100 grams (3.5 ounces) is a fairly large amount and not something you should be consuming daily. All these nutrients also come with 600 calories and moderate amounts of sugar. For this reason, dark chocolate is best consumed in moderation. The fatty acid profile of cocoa and dark chocolate is also excellent. The fats are mostly saturated and monounsaturated, with small amounts of polyunsaturated fat. It also contains stimulants like caffeine and theobromine, but is unlikely to keep you awake at night as the amount of caffeine is very small compared to coffee.

  1. Powerful Source of Antioxidants

ORAC stands for “oxygen radical absorbance capacity.” It is a measure of the antioxidant activity of foods. Basically, researchers set a bunch of free radicals (bad) against a sample of a food and see how well the antioxidants in the food can “disarm” the radicals. The biological relevance of ORAC values is questioned, because it’s measured in a test tube and may not have the same effect in the body. However, it is worth mentioning that raw, unprocessed cocoa beans are among the highest-scoring foods that have been tested. Dark chocolate is loaded with organic compounds that are biologically active and function as antioxidants. These include polyphenols, flavanols and catechins, among others. One study showed that cocoa and dark chocolate had more antioxidant activity, polyphenols and flavanols than any other fruits tested, which included blueberries and acai berries.

  1. May Improve Blood Flow and Lower Blood Pressure

The flavanols in dark chocolate can stimulate the endothelium, the lining of arteries, to produce nitric oxide (NO). One of the functions of NO is to send signals to the arteries to relax, which lowers the resistance to blood flow and therefore reduces blood pressure. Many controlled studies show that cocoa and dark chocolate can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure, though the effects are usually mild. However, one study in people with high blood pressure showed no effect, so take all this with a grain of salt.

Dark Chocolate Benefits

4. Raises HDL and Protects LDL From Oxidation

Consuming dark chocolate can improve several important risk factors for heart disease. In a controlled study, cocoa powder was found to significantly decrease oxidized LDL cholesterol in men. It also increased HDL and lowered total LDL for those with high cholesterol. Oxidized LDL means that the LDL (“bad” cholesterol) has reacted with free radicals. This makes the LDL particle itself reactive and capable of damaging other tissues, such as the lining of the arteries in your heart. It makes perfect sense that cocoa lowers oxidized LDL. It contains an abundance of powerful antioxidants that do make it into the bloodstream and protect lipoproteins against oxidative damage. Dark chocolate can also reduce insulin resistance, which is another common risk factor for many diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

5. May Reduce Heart Disease Risk

The compounds in dark chocolate appear to be highly protective against the oxidation of LDL. In the long term, this should cause much less cholesterol to lodge in the arteries, resulting in a lower risk of heart disease. In fact, several long-term observational studies show a fairly drastic improvement. In a study of 470 elderly men, cocoa was found to reduce the risk of death from heart disease by a whopping 50% over a 15 year period. Another study revealed that eating chocolate two or more times per week lowered the risk of having calcified plaque in the arteries by 32%. Eating chocolate less frequently had no effect. Yet another study showed that eating dark chocolate more than 5 times per week lowered the risk of heart disease by 57%. Of course, these three studies are observational studies, so can’t prove that it was the chocolate that reduced the risk. However, since the biological process is known (lower blood pressure and oxidized LDL), it is plausible that regularly eating dark chocolate may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Dark Chocolate for Heart

6. May Protect Your Skin From the Sun

The bioactive compounds in dark chocolate may also be great for your skin. The flavonols can protect against sun damage, improve blood flow to the skin and increase skin density and hydration. The minimal erythemal dose (MED) is the minimum amount of UVB rays required to cause redness in the skin 24 hours after exposure. In one study of 30 people, the MED more than doubled after consuming dark chocolate high in flavanols for 12 weeks. If you’re planning a beach vacation, consider loading up on dark chocolate in the prior weeks and months.

7. Could Improve Brain Function

The good news isn’t over yet. Dark chocolate may also improve the function of your brain. One study of healthy volunteers showed that eating high-flavanol cocoa for five days improved blood flow to the brain. Cocoa may also significantly improve cognitive function in elderly people with mental impairment. It may improve verbal fluency and several risk factors for disease, as well. Additionally, cocoa contains stimulant substances like caffeine and theobromine, which may be a key reason why it can improve brain function in the short term.

The Bottom Line

There is considerable evidence that cocoa can provide powerful health benefits, being especially protective against heart disease. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should go all out and consume lots of chocolate every day. It is still loaded with calories and easy to overeat. Maybe have a square or two after dinner and try to really savor them. If you want the benefits of cocoa without the calories in chocolate, consider making a hot cocoa without any cream or sugar. Also be aware that a lot of the chocolate on the market is not healthy. Choose quality stuff — dark chocolate with 70% or higher cocoa content. You might want to check out this guide on how to find the best dark chocolate. Dark chocolates typically contain some sugar, but the amounts are usually small and the darker the chocolate, the less sugar it will contain. Chocolate is one of the few foods that taste awesome while providing significant health benefits.

Happy Valentines Day Dark Chocolate

(Original Content: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-health-benefits-dark-chocolate. Written by Kris Gunnars, BSc on June 25, 2018)

Gerbs Chili Powders are Hot & Healthy

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Gerbs Chili Powders are Hot & Healthy

Gerbs Chili Powders are Hot & Healthy

Known for their hot flavor, chili peppers (Capsicum annuum) are primarily used for culinary purposes, as a spice added to various dishes and sauces. The chili is a fruit pod of the capsicum pepper plant belonging to the nightshade family (Solanaceae). Cayenne, jalapeno, habanero and serrano peppers are some of the most popular varieties of chili peppers.

Chili peppers were first cultivated by ancient farmers in Central and South America, regions whose cuisines are famous for their piquant flavor. Today, chili peppers are grown all over the world, but Mexico, China, Spain, Nigeria and Turkey are among the largest commercial producers.

Chili pepper contains a bioactive plant compound called capsaicin, which is responsible for its hot and spicy kick. Capsaicin is concentrated in the seeds and white inner membrane; the more capsaicin it contains, the spicier the pepper. Whether eaten fresh, dried or powdered (known as paprika), chili peppers can put fire on your tongue and perhaps even a tear in your eye.

Chipotle Pepper Powder

What Makes Chili Peppers Healthy?

Capsaicin offers more than just a pungent oral sensation in your mouth — experts say the endorphin rush it causes makes this chemical compound an effective remedy for pain and other medical conditions.

Dr. Ashwin Mehta, director of integrative medicine at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine, said, “It’s used for all kinds of arthritis pain, as well as for neuropathic pain and dermatologic conditions that have a painful itch. “Aside from pain relief, capsaicin has shown promise in weight loss by helping reduce calorie intake and shrinking fat tissue. Chili also offers these benefits:

Ground Cayenne Pepper

  • Helps Fight Inflammation — Capsaicin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and it has shown potential for treating inflammatory diseases and cancer. In fact, a research published in Future Oncology indicated that it can suppress the growth of human prostate cancer cells.
  • Boosts Immunity — Chili peppers are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body. This vitamin is essential for maintaining healthy mucous membranes to help protect the body from invading pathogens (microorganisms that cause disease). Chili is also rich in vitamin C, and this helps the body produce white blood cells that fight germs.
  • Helps Reduce Insulin Levels — Another known benefit of eating chili peppers is how they help with blood sugar level management. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded that the regular consumption of chili may help reduce risk of hyperinsulinemia (high insulin levels in the blood).
  • Protects Your Heart — The compound capsaicin can help reduce triglycerides, cholesterol and platelet aggregation. Some studies have shown that it may assist the body in dissolving fibrin, which prevents the formation of blood clots. Additionally, cultures that use hot peppers regularly in cooking have significantly lower heart attack and stroke rates.
  • Prevents Sinusitis and Relieves Congestion — Another health effect of the compound capsaicin is its ability to address nasal congestion by helping clear mucus from your nose. It has antibacterial properties as well, and can help fight chronic sinus infections. Aside from capsaicin, chili also contains other beneficial bioactive plant compounds, including:

◦ Capsanthin — This is the primary carotenoid (antioxidant) in red chili peppers, giving them their red color and typically accounting for up to 50 percent of the spice’s antioxidant content.

◦ Lutein — Most plentiful in immature (green) chili peppers, it has been shown to help maintain and improve eye health.

◦ Volaxanthin — It is the main carotenoid found in yellow chili peppers, which accounts for 37 to 68 percent of their total content.

◦ Sinapic acid — Also known as sinapinic acid, this antioxidant is known for its neuroprotective potential.

◦ Ferulic acid — This compound has shown promise in protecting against diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Habanero Pepper Powder

The Other Uses of Chili

Chili doesn’t just offer culinary and health uses; it can also be used for self-defense. Oleoresin capsicum (OC), extracted from red hot chili peppers, is the active ingredient in pepper spray. OC is an inflammatory agent that makes the eyes and mucous membranes of the upper respiratory swell. Pepper spray causes breathing difficulties, runny nose, pain in the eyes and temporary blindness.

The capsaicin in chili can also be used to repel insects and wild animals, which is the reason it is often used as natural pesticide for gardens. If you want to use it to help repel pests, just mix 1 1/2 teaspoons of chili powder in a quart of water and add two drops of liquid dish soap. Take note that some plants are sensitive to chili powder sprays, so you need to test it first on a few leaves.

Original Source (https://articles.mercola.com/herbs-spices/chili-peppers.aspx)

What Are Gerbs Ancient Grains? ?And Why You Should Eat Them? ?

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What Are Gerbs Ancient GrainsWhat Are Gerbs Ancient Grains

What Are Gerbs Ancient Grains? And Why You Should Eat Them?

Many ancient grains, or heritage grains, are gluten-free and versatile. From amaranth to spelt, ancient grains are loaded with trace vitamins and protein to keep you going. This particular group of grains is revered for its age and history: Greeks and Romans offered spelt to the gods; Aztecs considered chia seeds worthy of tribute, and farro is noted in the Old Testament. A resurgence of the old and the antiquated has made these grains once again shine in the spotlight, but what are they really?

Ancient grains are more than just relics from the past that have stood the test of time; they are cereals and seeds that have a robust texture and stellar nutritional profile.

“They contain lots of essential vitamins, particularly B vitamins, minerals like magnesium and potassium, more amounts of iron and they also contain protective elements like fibres and antioxidants,” said Chris Chapman, a nutrition project officer with the Grains, Legumes and Nutrition Council, “They’re nutritionally similar to grains…but they’ve got a little more bit more, which is unique and that is part of their popularity.”

Quinoa, millet, sorghum, amaranth, teff, freekeh, chia seeds, farro, spelt and Kamut all qualify as ancient grains. The latter three are not gluten-free, but some people with gluten or wheat sensitivities can tolerate them.

The health benefits of these grains range from a high omega-3 content to a hefty amount of B vitamins and zinc. A serving of farro or emmer wheat, for example, is high in protein (7 grams), fiber (7 grams), and iron (12%), plus it’s an easily digested strain of wheat. 10,000 years ago, farro was cultivated in the Fertile Crescent at the dawn of the agricultural revolution where it spread to Asia, Europe, Northeast Africa, India and Arabic peninsula. This variety of hulled wheat was said to have sustained the Roman army, but it is not sustaining health foodies and the health curious alike. But, farro’s story is not unique: all ancient grains have their place in history because their nutritional profiles, packed with complex carbohydrates, landed them a spot in it, just look at these three grains below.

White Sorghum GrainBuckwheat GrainBrown Teff GrainRoyal White Quinoa Grain

Millet

The alkaline, complex carbohydrate and prebiotic, millet, is a staple of the Himalayan Hunzas, a people who have enjoyed superb health and longevity. The grain also contains serotonin for stress, niacin for cholesterol, and magnesium for migraines. Composed of 15 percent protein, millet is an excellent way for vegetarians and vegans alike to obtain sufficient protein requirements, plus it contains antioxidants, is gluten-free and hydrates the colon to ease constipation.

Sorghum

Hailing from Africa, this staple of Asia and West Africa is grown today in many countries, including the United States, India, and Nigeria, for it is the fifth most important cereal crop. Nutritionally, sorghum is high in fiber, protein, and B-complex vitamins. It is often used where conventional wheat is used.

Teff

This fun-size, quick cooking grain is super tiny and ideal for nomadic life, especially in the areas of Ethiopia and Eritrea where it has long-established ties. Teff can withstand many environmental conditions: it thrives in waterlogged areas, high altitudes, dry heat, droughts, and is not prone to plant diseases. Free of gluten, one cup of teff alone packs in 123 mg of calcium, a high dose of vitamin C, iron, protein, fiber, and resistant starch. Because teff is so tiny, it cannot be processed, so eating it in its whole form is necessary.

Ancient grains can be used in a multitude of recipes that traditionally call for wheat or rice. Pick up some freekeh, and make this delectable salad with earthy beets, crisp cilantro, and juicy lime. Vandana R. Sheth, RDN, CDE, Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics claims that this freaky freekeh is “higher in protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and lower in glycemic index.”

Try some amaranth in a to-die-for baked good with bananas, maple syrup, and flax seeds. Or, fall back on some quinoa and make a crunchy pizza crust that is sure to please.

Original Post: http://www.onegreenplanet.org (Annalisa Palmer is a whole-foods, plant-based vegan, avid reader, weekly runner, and regular yogi.)

Gerbs ground Super Seed Meal, man’s best friend, best friend!

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Gerbs ground Super Seed Meal

No need to wake up the house to grind our seeds, all the hard work is done for you by Gerbs! Whether big (pumpkin and sunflower), small (hemp hearts, chia, flax) or grain-like (quinoa, millet amaranth), seeds supply an extra buzz of protein, along with fiber, amino acids, fats, vitamins, minerals and other useful micro-nutrition morsels. You can add them as an ingredient in your dog’s home-cooked meals or sprinkle them on as a topper.

In order for your fluffy friend to benefit most from super seeds, they need to be ground fresh and should be refrigerated and stored in an air tight container to avoid rancidity. Our lines of seed meals are ground at cold temperatures at high speeds, with full oil content. Gerbs seed meals are protein packed & calorie-rich, use them judiciously. Finally, try a single variety at a time in small quantities until you know how your dog responds to and tolerates them.

Quinoa and amaranth are “ancient grains,” seeds from plants that have been cultivated the same way for thousands of years. Amaranth contains all nine amino acids, making it a complete protein.

Chia and flax Seeds are best refrigerated. Chia is said to be an immune-system booster and is credited with supporting dogs’ electrolyte balance. Flax is high in fiber, and both are high in anti-inflammatory.

Hemp seeds are a high-protein, easily digestible source of immune-system support.

Pumpkin and sunflower seeds supply extra anti-oxidants. Pumpkin seeds rank high in zinc, a mineral recommended for dogs with copper toxicosis, aka copper storage disease. (Sunflower seeds, on the other hand, are high in copper, so if your dog has liver problems, check with your vet before feeding.) Pumpkin seeds are unusual in that their nutritive value has been shown to improve with age—those pumpkin seeds that have been languishing in the back of your pantry since Halloween are better now than when you bought them!

Article first appeared in The Bark, Issue 93: Spring 2018

Gerbs Raw Super Seeds for your Dogs Health

Gerbs Gingerbread Cookies

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Food Allergy Safe Recipe perfect to make with any ‘kiddo’s’
Gerbs Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread Cookies by Gerbs

These taste amazing, so much fun to make with your children, and as always are safe for anyone with a major food allergy. You can also incorporate our dried crystallized ginger into the recipe (not pictured) with the frosting and/or decorating.

Make sure you set up your kitchen for success because this can be fun, or just deal with the mess and enjoy this new festive holiday tradition. We like to our boys roll out their own gingerbread and cut out their favorite shapes. Some year we will make a Gerbs shield or Logo cutout for you guys. Make sure you put on the oven light because they will want to watch theirs bake.

Make Christmas/Holiday memories today, our favorite memory is the simple joy on their face when they finish their first masterpiece or sneaking the first bite. Hint: secretly bake a few broken pieces so they don’t gobble down the ones made for family and friends.

Once you have the frosting ready, we offer so many product ideas for eyes, hair, mouths, buttons, ornaments, presents, or outlines. Like Gerbs crystallized ginger (cut into pieces), dried cranberries, pumpkin kernels, sunflower kernels, chia seeds, goji berries, dried blueberries and hemp kernels. Check out the Gerbs Shop Storefront now for all these category’s!

PRINTABLE RECIPE CARDGingerbread Cookies by Gerbs

Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, mix together the flax seed meal and 3 tablespoons warm water. Let stand for about 10 minutes. In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar, molasses, oil and water. Add the flax seed meal and water mixture. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and ginger. Add the dry mixture gradually to the wet mixture and mix well. Roll the dough into a ball, cover the mixing bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour.

Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness on a floured surface (I use rice flour). Using cookie cutters cut into desired shapes. Place cookies onto an ungreased baking sheets.

Bake for 9-10 minutes in a preheated oven or until cookies are firm.

Gingerbread Cookie

Warm Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

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Warm Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal RecipeWarm Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe

Before you head out to play, fill your belly with this hearty Warm Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe

 

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Gerbs Rolled Oats (Instant)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Gerbs ground cinnamon
  • Pinch Gerbs Sea Salt
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • ¼ cup Gerbs Dried Apple Cinnamon Cubes
  • 1/4 cup Toasted Gerbs Pumpkin Seeds
  • 1 apple, rough chopped & sliced

 

Combine the oats, dried apple, cinnamon, and salt in a large microwave-safe bowl, and stir in the water. Cover and seal with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid and heat in the microwave on high until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 8 minutes. Stir in the maple syrup. Divide between 2 bowls and top with the toasted pumpkin seeds & Fresh Apples. Serve immediately.

Warm Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Ingredients & Directions

Why #Shop Small Saturday should start with Gerbs

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Shop Small SaturdayShop Small Saturday

Why Support Local Business on Shop Small Saturday:

So maybe you’ve decided to skip out on Black Friday this year. You might want to consider starting your local holiday shopping on Small Business Saturday by heading to Gerbs extensive online store. Held annually the Saturday after Thanksgiving since 2010, SBS is an awesome way to support local businesses in your community.

Here are a few reasons why it’s a great idea to shop on Small Business Saturday:

  1. You’ll help create jobs in the community

Money spent in the community will go back into it in the form of creating employment opportunities. According to the Small Business Administration, the 28 million small businesses in America account for 54 percent of all sales in the U.S. Plus small businesses have provided 55 percent of all jobs and 66 percent of all new jobs since the 1970s. When you make a purchase at a small business, you are doing your part to stimulate the local economy.

  1. You’ll help create jobs in the community

Money spent in the community will go back into it in the form of creating employment opportunities. According to the Small Business Administration, the 28 million small businesses in America account for 54 percent of all sales in the U.S. Plus small businesses have provided 55 percent of all jobs and 66 percent of all new jobs since the 1970s. When you make a purchase at a small business, you are doing your part to stimulate the local economy.

Shop Small

  1. Your tax dollars stay local.

Shopping at small businesses helps keep money within the neighborhood. A series of studies by the research firm Civic Economics found that 48 percent of purchases at local independent businesses go right back into the community, compared to less than 14 percent of sales made at chain stores. Your tax dollars stay locally, going toward public services, better schools, and libraries.

  1. Small businesses give back to the neighborhood.

Small businesses go beyond writing a check to a local cause. They’re more likely to develop partnerships and strengthen ties with people in the neighborhood. Brick and mortar establishments can serve as community hubs, such as the coffee shop that holds open mic night or the pizza parlor that sponsors little league fundraisers.

  1. Shopping at one local business helps other local businesses.

By shopping at a business in the neighborhood, you’ll most likely stop by other independent retailers in the vicinity. On top of that, some small businesses tend to offer products that are made locally, creating a ripple effect in the local economy. You can use this handy store locator tool to find businesses in your neighborhood that will be participating in this year’s SBS.

  1. Small businesses offer more unique products.

You can get away from the mass-produced items found at big box chains by shopping at an independent retailer. You’ll be able to find locally made gifts that are perfect for your significant other or enjoy a one-of-a-kind specialty drink at the local watering hole.

  1. It helps keep communities diverse.

Sure, we all love and go to mainstream retailers, but can you imagine what it would be like to live in a place with nothing but non-descript strip malls? By participating in Small Business Saturday, we’re making sure independent businesses thrive by adding to the vibrancy and uniqueness of a community. It would be tough for the charming trinkets shop or the mom-and-pop deli around the corner to stay afloat without your patronage.

#shopsmall with us