We want to help our Central Vallians take this challenge!
The goal according to 100milediet.org kicks off on Thanksgiving day and challenges us to eat foods that have been grown within a 100 mile radius for 1 year….
What could be more healthier than starting a new year by being part of a sustainable local movement that is good for the body, soul & environment!
This challenge will be fun and not that difficult considering we live in the food basket of the world, not only surrounded by big ag but our favorites…the small family farms!
Where ever you live, a good place to start is with your local family farmers, most are already looking for new members wanting to supply you with their abundant harvest through their CSA’s. Give them a call, take your family and go visit these farms, you wont be disappointed.
And lets not forget the awesome foods that can be found at your local farmers markets, most markets will have more than just fruits and veggies, you can find breads, butter, raw milk, sweets, nuts, soaps, honey and even flowers.
For staples like flours, beans, rice, granolas and spices visit your local health food store, you can buy these needs in bulk and they are usually less expensive than individual boxes or cans.
And if you are really serious and are blessed with a green thumb…plant your own garden. Our friends from “Botanical Interests” can help you with your seed selections and all the information you will need to get going!
There is no better time than now to bring your family to the table and teach your children how to appreciate real food grown from the earth by local farmers who care about what we eat!
So…let’s support or local economy and join us in celebrating good local foods this year and discover who & what is growing in our communities!
We are here to help make this commitment by keeping current information on your Central Valley Local Farmers & Farmers Markets, also listing other sites with great information that will help you take on this “farm to table pledge”.
Please share with us how you will take the challenge!
Hi Kate and Anna,
I’m in Merced and striving to buy local and grow much of my own produce.
While “organic and natural” are wonderful (and I’ve made lamb purchases from Sorensens and pork purchases from Angel’s Heavenly Hogs), when “organic and natural” are not available (or available but not within my price range), I’m not really sure where to “buy local” to “fill in the voids.” In general, I’d prefer to buy direct from the farmer or rancher in the area – even if it’s not technically organic or natural – rather than buy the product at the supermarket without knowing where the product came from.
Any chance you might be able to have listing for locally grown (or raised) meats, poultry, and dairy – even though it might not be “organic or natural”?
Also, any sources of fish or shellfish withing 100 miles of Merced? Any fish (or crayfish, etc.) farms in the valley?
Thanks!
Anne
Hi Anne,
There are farmers and ranchers listed on our “Organic & Natural ” pages (some you already have met) that carry these foods you are looking for.
I have not heard of any local fish suppliers, but keep asking around and you might find one!
Visit our social group localchoicescv.ning.com and you can contact farmers that are members.
Hope this helps you!