From Farm to Feast
(Richard de Wilde of Harmony Valley Farm)
This is an exciting time of year for co-ops; the bounty and diversity of local foods are at their peak here in southwestern Wisconsin. From August 1st – 31st food lovers can explore the benefits (and fun) of eating the region’s best locally sourced foods through participating in
Eat Local, America!, an initiative led by co-op grocers nationwide.
To participate, shoppers are invited to stop by Viroqua Food Co-op to find great local food options and event information and join the Eat Local, America! online community at www.eatlocalamerica.coop Participants are asked to set a goal for themselves. Whether it is eating one meal a week made with local foods or trying to source a specific percentage of meals locally, all participants can set a goal that fits their lifestyle.
Eat Local, America! gives us a chance to introduce ‘newbies’ to the local food movement in a fun, engaging way, and also to challenge local food lovers to get creative. To help you navigate through your own personal local food challenge, check the Eat Local, America! blog at www.eatlocalamerica.coop frequently for local food tips, information and recipes from nutritionists, chefs, gardeners and fellow foodies.
Though eating locally has become more popular recently, Viroqua Food Co-op has a long tradition of developing close relationships with food producers. Right now there is a groundswell of people looking for authentic local foods, and we’re thrilled to be at the center of this movement. Check the VFC website and facebook page for more information about special promotions and activities we’ll be having during the Eat Local, America! initiative.
VFC defines local as food grown or produced within a 100 mile radius. During Eat Local, America! and throughout the year, we help you identify local food with the green “local” shelf tags and farmer profile signs. To learn more about the local farmers and food producers for the VFC, check online at
http://viroquafood.coop/local-food/
Viroqua Food Co-op joins more than 40 natural food co-ops hosting Eat Local, America! coast-to-coast. All are members of National Cooperative Grocers Association (NCGA), a business services cooperative representing 119 retail food co-ops nationwide. Food lovers can learn more about Eat Local, America! and how to participate at www.eatlocalamerica.coop For more information on great food and cooperatives, visit www.stronger.coop