What is a Locavore?
Most of us know what the words herbivore and carnivore mean. But what does it mean when someone says they are a locavore? Jessica Prentice left her job at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market in San Francisco to write a book about food and our human desire for community. As part of this quest, Prentice challenged the residents of San Francisco to eat as locally as possible for one month. Naturally, she needed a term to accompany this challenge.
The Latin word for ‘place’ is locus, while the Latin word for ‘swallow’ and ‘devour’ is vorare. Put them together and what do you get? Locavore! In 2007, this fun new noun earned the Oxford American Dictionary’s word of the year title.
So the question is, can you be a locavore and a carnivore or herbivore? As the local food movement grows, and folks continue to become aware of the multitude of benefits that accompany fresh, local food, it is becoming easier and easier to find local treats. Use this page to get a head start on finding some of the yummiest and freshest produce, cheeses, meats, grains, honey, wine and brew around.
For more information on the term Locavorism read William Safire’s column “On Language, Locavorism” in the New York Times Magazine, October 12, 2008. Click here to read the article.
Apart from just tasting better, why should I source my food more locally?
There are many reasons to eat local. Simply and broadly stated, they are “health care crisis, energy independence and climate change”. Click here to read Michael Pollan’s eloquently written letter to the President-Elect titled “Farmer in Chief” (The Food Issue, New York Times Magazine, October 12, 2008).
Efforts and movements related to and in support of Locavorism
Slow food
Slow Food USA - http://www.slowfoodusa.org/
Slow Food Boulder - http://www.slowfoodboulder.org/
CU Slow Foods - http://slowfoodcu.wordpress.com/
Transition
www.TransitionBoulderCounty.org
Parents and children
Alice Waters of Chez Panisse in Berkley is often credited with the restaurant trend of bringing fresh, locally-grown, simply-prepared produce to American culinary art. Waters, Ann Cooper and others are now trying to do the same for schools. Make a point of looking at and showing interest in your child’s school to see if they are moving toward bringing better and locally-grown foods to education and the cafeteria.
Alice Waters - www.edibleschoolyard.org
Ann Cooper - www.lunchlessons.org
Our Love of Children Foundation http://iwanthealthyfood.org/ourluv/
What is a CSA? CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture.
“CSA reflects an innovative and resourceful strategy to connect local farmers with local consumers; develop a regional food supply and strong local economy; maintain a sense of community; encourage land stewardship; and honor the knowledge and experience of growers and producers working with small to medium farms.”
(Excerpted from http://www.localharvest.org/csa.jsp)
How CSAs work
People sign up and purchase shares in a CSA. In exchange, the CSA farmers give those people the fruits of their harvest.
Learn more
http://www.eatlocalguide.com/home.html
What is grown or produced locally? Make a list to take to your local grocer. If they don’t sell what you’re looking for, ask them to stock it.
Boulder Farmers Markets - www.BoulderFarmers.org
Rocky Mountain Growers Directory - http://www.localsustainability.net/
Colorado Organic Producers Association -http://www.organiccolorado.org/members.html
Colorado Potato Growers Association - http://www.coloradopotato.org/
Colorado Wines- http://www.coloradowine.org
Colorado Brewers Guild- http://www.coloradobeer.org
The lazy shopper’s cheat sheet – (coming soon)
A list of where to buy local produce without having to drive several miles to a farm, including farmers’ markets (in and out of season locations), food coops, buyers’ clubs, retailers, and restaurants focusing on or heavily into local produce.
