Becoming a Locavore -- little by little

Did you know that "Locavore" was the 2007 word of the year for The Oxford American Dictionary? A locavore is someone who eats exclusively or primarily what is produced within 100 miles of their home. This is significant, because it brings eating and ecology together in a new way.

In Upper Bucks County we are so fortunate to have a unique variety of farmers markets, farm stands and meat shops that enable us to buy food produced in our "back yard." So maybe it wouldn't be terribly difficult to become a locavore!

Many, including myself, think this seems like an appealing idea, but.... give up coffee, olive oil, lemons, California wines, bananas - no thanks. So how about considering incorporating "locavore awareness" in to your daily life without deprivation, but rather doing what you can?

Here are some ideas...

1. Find a Farmers Market that is convenient for you and patronize it. Get to know the farmers - they'll save you the best tomatoes and give you an occasional free peach or two as a reward for being loyal. You'll eliminate the middle man, meet who is growing your food and feel better about what you're eating.
2. Consider a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) - you invest in a local farm in exchange for a weekly box of fresh seasonal produce and possibly other farm products like honey or eggs. This is especially helpful if you are really busy - takes the worry out of buying locally.
3. Involve your food market - let your grocery store manager know what is important to you.
4. Choose 5 foods that you can buy locally - it won't seem so overwhelming. Honestly, there is no excuse to buy eggs in the grocery store in this area - there are plenty of local sources for them (if you come to class, you already know about the the value of really fresh eggs!).
5. Need help finding sources for buying local? Try buckscountytaste.com - very helpful.
6. Preserve one or two local foods for winter months. You could make tomato sauce, applesauce or just freeze some blueberries!
7. Support local restaurants (and cooking schools :) !) who are supporting local farmers.
8. Participate in the 100-Mile Thanksgiving Project - make at least one or even the entire meal from local foods. Hint: you could order your turkey from Bolton's Turkey Farm in Silverdale.
9. Take your children or grandchildren to visit a local farm. They'll feel a connection to what they eat -maybe even becoming, a healthier and more adventurous eater.

I hope these few easy steps will encourage you to support your local economy and enjoy fresher, tastier food. Think about the benefits to your neighbors and community that result from keeping your food dollar close to home. And isn't it better to eat a local (maybe non organic) apple versus an organic apple shipped from Washington State or New Zealand - we maintain a better air quality by eating the local apple. Also, eating locally keeps you in better touch with the seasons , translates to more variety and often gives you a story about your food souce, taking us back to the way our grandparents ate 60 years ago!

I'd love to hear any comments or thoughts you have...