Eat Locally This Thanksgiving
 

It is estimated that the average American meal travels about 1500 miles to get from farm to plate (World Watch Institute).  Consider preparing locally grown food for your Thanksgiving meal this year.  Here are some advantages:

More Delicious Choices:  The global economy has changed the way many farmers grow, process, package and transport their products. One consequence of this has been a reduction in varieties of plants and animals.  Buying locally grown products helps maintain this critical diversity and ensures that the food we serve at our table is fresh and full of flavor.

Better for the Environment:  Supporting local growers helps preserve our working agricultural lands and open spaces.  It also reduces global warming pollution.  A University of Washington study showed that a Skagit Valley apple requires about two-thirds less climate-polluting energy to grow and ship to local retailers than an apple from New Zealand.  And a recent World Watch Institute study shows that 17 percent of global fossil fuel use goes to fertilizing and transporting food.

Better for the Local Economy:  Buying locally grown food helps put more dollars in the hands of local farmers and in circulation throughout local communities.  At farmers markets, for example, for every $1 spent, 62¢ is re-spent locally compared with 52¢ at a locally-based grocery store.    For recipe ideas and local information, visit Puget Sound Fresh.