Local Video
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| Challenge: eat local |
By: ERIKA GREINER, Special to the News
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Posted: Friday, August 7, 2009 10:50 pm
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NORTHFIELD — Just Food Co-op, along with 10 other Twin Cities co-ops, is challenging shoppers to join others across the country in an attempt to eat up to 80 percent locally produced foods for one month.
If the task seems daunting, Jack Hedin of Featherstone Farm in Rushford Village says that it is a worthwhile effort, noting that the benefits far outweigh the challenges. As a 10-year veteran of sustainable farming, Hedin and his wife Jenni have provided co-ops and other Midwest food outlets with fresh produce and are strong believers in eating locally grown food.
“Buying local gives consumers access to the most flavorful, nutritious, best produce,” said Hedin. “It also contributes to the local economy and allows for improved food safety, energy savings, better land use, and a whole range of other benefits.”
Organic and locally grown food is becoming trendy and is available at many grocery stores. Nevertheless, it is typically more expensive than other produce and sometimes it can be difficult to find.
“We really appreciate our dedicated customers,” said Hedin. “We rely on their support tremendously. Although they may have to go a little out of their way to buy our produce and they might spend a little bit more money on locally-grown products, our customers are paying for what they get.”
Hedin explains that produce from California and Mexico is usually produced cheaply and in mass quantities. Consequently, grocers are able to sell the produce for less than the locally grown food, which is more expensive to produce given the scale and quality.
“It is almost impossible to produce our crops and sell them for the same price as the big Californian and Mexican farms. But we can offer a lot of varieties here that can’t be shipped from California or other far-away states and the locally-grown produce simply makes for better eating. It is well worth the cost,” said Hedin.
Joey Robison, marketing manager for Just Foods Co-op, understands the difficulty of taking on this challenge in a society where eating locally is not always common practice.
“I think we’re all creatures of habit, and a one month-long challenge like this really gives us enough time to get in the habit (of eating locally),” said Robison, “if you can challenge yourself and see how close you can get to meeting that challenge, it can be a lot of fun to do.”
Adding to the fun and hoping to encourage shoppers with their local cooking challenge. Local chef Martha Jivorec will teach a series of classes throughout August focusing on how to cook using local ingredients.
Anyone wishing to join the Eat Local, America! challenge, running Aug. 1 to Aug. 31, can sign a large poster at any participating Twin Cities co-op or register online at www.eatlocalamerica.coop.
— Erika Greiner, a St.Olaf College graduate, is serving as a Northfield News intern. She can be reached at 645-1106 or egreiner@northfieldnews.com.
* * * *
FUN WITH FOOD
Cooking Local with Chefy Girl Classes at Just Food
Aug. 5, 12, 19 and 26
6 to 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $15 each or $50 for series
Classes are limited to 20. Register in advance with Just Food cashier.
Fourth Annual Harvest Festival
Aug. 29
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Free live music, tasty local samples, kids’ activities, and more in the Just Food parking lot on Water Street.
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