Eat Local Challenge

The moon is already waning and I've yet to post an eat local challenge story that isn't mine. I've had voice mail messages about local food but aside from that the month has been an extended bit of summer with only fleeting reminders of sharing the challenge.

The Takeout Queen visited a farmers' market in New York. "They cross pollinate their summer squash," she exclaimed over the phone and then more than likely went out to lunch. But her enthusiasm was appreciated.

My mother called too after discovering chard at the farmers' market near her. "It's red," she said. "Delicious." Which had me investigate chard at the grocery store the other day on a trip with the Muse. I didn't remember ever seeing it there. There was some bunches on the shelf, anemic and barely pink. Probably because it was the end of the day. Buying a bunch of chard is like buying a bunch of already opened lilies. The petals, or leaves in the case of the chard, get bruised if they're handled or set upon hard surfaces. I can understand why grocers would be hesitant to carry it.

Emily, a pioneer mother of four, emailed she was going to fix a local meal for her family. But really, if she doesn't get to it, well, can I blame her? I had one of her four and one of another two overnight; I fed them a can of refried beans and flour tortillas. They loved it and in an abbreviated bit of time that was all that was important. I did throw in sauteed buttery corn I'd froze earlier in the summer. They each had seconds and I was quietly elated I got something local in their meal.

Do you have any local food stories this month? If you're doing the challenge, how's it going? And if you're doing it with kids, extra green stars to you!

8 comments:

J said...

Great post! I am participating in the Eat Local Challenge myself and we've done really well so far. We haven't strayed outside of our "exceptions". I must say though, I miss my daily granola bars, but it has encouraged me to go find some recipes for homemade granola. I could buy local dried fruit, and the nuts and oats are exceptions. Now I just have to stop being lazy and actually do it...

Unknown said...

I too am participating in the Eat Local Challenge (I'm a total newbie to this). I've already eaten a few foods that I'd never select when on autopilot (heirloom tomatoes, okra, pumpkin & I picked up some brussel sprouts last night), I took a farm tour of Capay Organics last weekend, and I've attended two of the Commonwealth Club presentations (on water, and last night on strengthening community through local foods). It's already been an eye opening experience, and aside from my coffee exception, I've only strayed from my mission when I needed an ingredient and couldn't easily determine from where it came (Real Food is spotty on its labeling). But I do not have the added burden of doing this with a family or kids in tow.

Donna said...

I've found some great local foods, but I've also floudered a bit. I miss the list of participants that they posted on the eat local website last year. I don't know if I'm looking in the wrong place or if they decided not to publish the list this year, but I miss the connections. You're the only one I know who is also participating!

Kale for Sale said...

jennifer - Trust me, you are anything but lazy doing the challenge. Not making granola doesn't count as lazy. I have a friend that used to make granola and it was sinful and I have no idea what was in it. Enjoy when you finally make it.

gary - I'm impressed - okra! I know I shouldn't be afraid of a vegetable but this is my edge. I have no idea what to do with them. And I've eaten them and liked it. It sounds like you've jumped into the eat local events with both feet. Good for you. I haven't made any of the Commonwealth events this month but enjoyed several as part of the slow food event earlier this year. It's all good stuff! Thanks for commenting. It's fun to know other people are eating local in the same area.

donna - I miss the list of participants too. Here's a few people I know who are participating - You, Jennifer of veg*n cooking and Gary above, Food on the Food, Fast Grow The Weeds and A Sonoma Garden, all in my sidebar. I'm glad you're participating and you get extra green stars for doing it with a child. Really, a can opener salute to you!

Emily said...

You're right Katrina, I'm not sure I'm going to make it. The month is cruising by, what with making all the Halloween costumes and such (three princess Leia costumes to be exact). I have the meat covered, but I missed the Farmer's Market on Thursday. Maybe I can go and raid my neighbor's garden.
Eating local takes some serious time and resources that I'm lacking. I suppose once you're in the habit it's a bit easier. Any suggestions? Or do you just want to come over on Sunday and bring everything but the meat.

Kale for Sale said...

Emily - If you make me a princess Leia costume I will!

(Seriously, I'd love to but I'll be gone all day.)

Anonymous said...

First of all, great blog! As for the local eating in October, I wasn't quite up for the entire month long challenge, though we try to eat as locally as possible in my house. I've been eating a lot of farmer's market chard- our's is actually rainbow colored. The stems range from bright pink to yellow and orange. It's been really delicious too. I find that if I can get it home and into the refrigerator when it's still perky at the market, it will actually make it a few days. I've also discovered October beans (or Cranberry beans) which are delicious. Otherwise, it's a lot of apples, pears, and pumpkins- and who can complain about that?

Kale for Sale said...

tiffany - My Mom has been loving the rainbow chard from the market too. It's been awhile since I've had any (I'm currently hooked on spinach). But I had dried cranberry beans a couple of weeks ago for the first time. You're right, they're great and I love the name October beans. Thanks for the nice comment.