The “buy local” movement is powerful in Pennsylvania, a state with a rich agricultural heritage. Shoppers actively seek out products labeled “local” or “PA Preferred” to support nearby farms and enjoy fresher food. However, the term “local” can be surprisingly flexible, and some brands use it misleadingly. This practice, known as “local washing,” involves selling products that are not truly local, but are sourced from far away and only minimally processed in the state.
