The Write Ingredients

Eat Local Challenge

In just a week, starting August 15th, I'll be talking part in the Eat Local Challenge. There seem to be a number of challenges, but I've chosen to go with the one organized by my friendly Mississippi Market coop. There is one sponsored by a group called "eatlocalchallenge.com from Portland" and there's the "100-mile diet," out of Vancouver. Both locations have slightly better climates than Minnesota for eating local, but timing is everything, and from August 15-September 15 I'm sure my options will be plentiful.

But the more I've been thinking about, the more products I realize I'll have to stay away from. Two important ones, are my morning banana (boy, will I miss that) and Diet Coke. I don't drink a ton of it, but its a treat every couple days, and wow, will that be hard. A banana I can substitute (sort of) with melon or berries, but a Diet Coke?

The Mississippi Market has offered some help, with some menu ideas and a shopping list. I think the whole project will revolve around planning ahead. The Twin Cities Natural Food Coops organization is also starting a blog next week. It will be great to bounce ideas and options off other foodies. One site I saw allowed 100-mile-dieters to class exemptions. I hereby claim olive oil, chocolate and wine, in any order.

Did you know that most food Americans eat travels 1500 miles before being consumed? I don't think I need to eat shrimp every day when there are perfectly good ingredients within walking distance from my house. Okay, probably not within walking distance, unless I want to limit myself to grape tomatoes, but you know what I mean. I'll be heading to the St. Paul Farmer's Market on Saturday to stock up. And then to the Coop for the rest of my stuff. Wish me luck, and I'll be sure to keep you updated on my progress.