What is an Eat Local Challenge and why should I participate?

We're challenging you to learn more about where your food comes from and asking you to buy as much as you can that is produced by local farms, ranches and other sources.  Why?  Because it supports the local economy, reduces the transportation and environmental costs of moving food around the world, and helps ensure future food security.  Fresh food loses nutrients as it ages, so local in-season food can be more nutritious.  Try it!

You can be as committed as you like.  Hardcore locavores might pledge to eat only locally harvested products this week.  Or you can try eating locally harvested foods for all meals with minor exceptions for the things that you can't live without, like coffee, tea, chocolate or spices.  Maybe you'll allow yourself a loophole for locally processed foods like grains or beer.  Or just stick your toe in the water and try incorporating a local ingredient into each meal.  It's all up to you.