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Expert>>> Tim Schlitzer
Executive director, Food Routes Network,
Arnot, Pennsylvania (www.foodroutes.org)
Why is local
important?
Eating local foods really represents sustainable agriculture, where
food is grown for the local community. The problem is that less and
less communities are able to feed themselves. We've become this
society where a community may grow lots of food in, say, Iowa, but
it's all corn or soybeans, and it's all shipped somewhere else; and
tomatoes and other things are shipped in. With oil pricing getting
higher, Food Routes feels that this is unsustainable long-term.
So what does
that mean for the person shopping for dinner?
Our "Buy Fresh Buy Local" program revolves around the idea that the
consumer is the only thing that stays local—wherever you go
or move you have to determine what local means for you. In New
Jersey, 50 miles or 20 miles is a lot different than in Kansas,
where 100 miles is not that close. We really hope that people talk
to the seller about what local means—in terms of where and
how it was grown, and the health and safety of the food.
Does that mean
I shouldn't buy organic?
We prefer local and organic. Food labeled "organic" has been grown
a specific way. Local is something that you check yourself; it's an
interaction between a farmer and consumer. We've gotten totally
disconnected from our farmers. I don't think we'll see everybody
growing their own food again, but people are wanting to know their
farmer.
How can we
implement this kind of eating style?
Start with something that you know can be grown locally and in
season. Things like eggs, milk, and butter are pretty much
available year-round. Then pick one item to try and get to know the
farmer. Get involved in a local Buy Fresh Buy Local chapter, or go
to our website to find restaurants, markets, or co-ops that feature
local foods.
Your favorite foods might not need to travel across the country
before winding up on your plate. Head to your co-op or neighborhood
market to find locally grown fall ingredients.
illustration:
trina dalziel
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