Eat Local Challenge

Ready to Go Local?

Inspiration is everywhere. Join EatLocalSWMich Yahoo Group. Pick up the book "Plenty," a.k.a. The 100-Mile Diet, by Alisa Smith and J.B. MacKinnon. Fact: Michigan is second only to California in the variety of foods we grow. The more you seek, the more you'll find.

It's Your Challenge

Design your own Eat Local Challenge - starting in September or starting now. Commit to spending a certain amount of money or percentage of your food expenses on local foods for one month. Look in your fridge and cupboards and see what can be replaced with local items. Create an entire meal using local foods. Pick one or two things to source locally.

The Where of Local Foods

Find local foods at an Eat Local Challenge participant (see below). Visit a farmers' market - ask the vendors, "What's local?" - and try seasonal produce that you've never eaten before. Go to localharvest.com . Or plant a garden. And starting Sept. 1, get your Eat Local Challenge passport.

2008 Eat Local Challenge Participants

• Cosmo's Cucina, 804 W. Vine, 269-344-5666
• Food Dance, 401 E. Michigan, 269-382-1888
• Irving's Market, 125 S. Kalamazoo Mall, 269-344-4787
• Just Good Food, 303 N. Rose Street, 269-383-1033
• Kalamazoo Farmers' Market (select vendors), 1200 Bank Street, 269-337-8899
• Natural Health Center, 4610 West Main, 269-349-9459
• People's Food Co-op, 436 S. Burdick Street, 269-342-5686
• Water Street Coffee Joint, 3037 Oakland Drive, 269-488-0018
• Water Street Coffee Joint, 315 E. Water Street, 269-373-2840
• Zazio's, 100 W. Michigan, 269-384-2650