eat local.

i'm doing the august eat local challenge sponsored by jen at life begins @ 30 in association with locavores. the goal of this challenge is to eat food of local origin to each participant. ask yourself these questions posed by jen:

"what if all of our food decisions for a month were based on what was available in our foodshed? what is it like to eat only what's in season? what if we all became more aware of where our food really comes from? what if local businesses got the message that people actually care about where their food comes from because of the sheer number of people asking questions about sourcing?"

i think it's a fantastic idea and a great way to start supporting sustainable agriculture. (read this for more info on sustainable agriculture.) the goal of this challenge is not to restrict yourself entirely; just to do what you can. for me, this will mean taking some exceptions, like for soy. it's just not grown local to me, so that is that. i will try, however, to find a local processor of soy to see how i like it. (anyone know of a good tofu factory near la?)

today was my first farmers' market trip in support of this challenge and i had expected to meet the market manager so she could give me a list of farmers and a map, but she wasn't there today.  i was surprised that many of the workers at the booths didn't know the name of the farm offhand or didn't know where it was located. i eventually got the answers, but it took a few moments. that was surprising to me. i'll post the farms shortly.

here's the info jen asked the participants to post:

1.  what's your definition of local for this challenge?
i'm going to aim for a 250-mile radius and perhaps extend that to the state of california.

2.  what exemptions will you claim?
soy products (but will try to find local processor), coffee (for the household, not for me), peet's chai tea (though they're a california company), spices. there may be others, i'm waiting to hear back from companies. anyone know of any local dairies (besides alta dena)?

3.  what is your personal goal for the month?
my goal is to have each meal contain at least 50-75% locally-grown/raised items.

wish me luck! and if you want to participate, post your info by tomorrow and start eating!