Eat Local Challenge

“Every aspect of our lives is, in a sense, a vote for the kind of world we want to live in.”
- Frances Moore Lappé

Why Eat Local?

It’s healthier.  Fresher foods retain more nutrients, taste better, and help promote a healthier environment than foods shipped from thousands of miles away.

It’s eco-friendly.  The average American dinner travels 1,500 miles before reaching the plate. Shipping food long distances requires large amounts of natural resources, such as oil, and contributes to the build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and to climate change.

It helps family farmers and the economy.  Eating locally sourced food creates a strong local food system. A dollar spent locally generates income for and supports the sustainability of the local economy.

Check out the FAQ on the Eat Local Challenge.

See the news, photos and kudos from the Harvest Potluck in 2008 and 2009.

And, of course, our regular and changing feature here–the profile of a local farmer or producer.

And check out some delicious recipes, using mostly local products, put together by the Co-op’s Eat Local Challenge team.