It’s not too late for you to take the challenge, but you are running out of time. Lexington Co-op in cooperation with the National Cooperative Growers Association is participating in their Eat Local America Campaign. The campaign has around 70 co-ops nationwide presenting their consumers with the challenge to eat locally produced fruits, vegetables, and other goods for a month. Due to the various growing seasons, the challenge is held at different times across the country.
Lexington’s began on August 15th and ends September 14th. It challenges consumers to make 80% of their diets consist of local foods. A number of restaurants have even decided to partake in the challenge and offer a menu item made out of local foods. They include Tru Teas, Café Aroma, Betty’s, and Sample among a number of others. Having a restaurant where consumers can go to will help them maintain their commitment.
Joann Tomasulo, Membership Coordinator of Lexington Co-op, says, “I think most people find they’re eating 80% of their diet locally. I think the hard part is resisting that bag of chips. I think they’re really excited to be doing it for a specified amount of time. We hope to do this every year.”
Tomasulo says that they have around 160 people participating in the challenge. To sign up, you can e-mail Tomasulo, or sign-up in the store or at the Farmers Market in Bidwell Parkway. You’ll get periodic newsletters, menu ideas, and a list of the participating restaurants. If you’re a member of the co-op, you’ll also receive a 10% discount off of local foods for the remainder of the challenge.
“It’s not really something we wanted to check up on people with. We just wanted to support them,” explains Tomasulo, “Over 40 cents of every dollar that we bring in goes back to the local economy.”
At the end of the challenge, the consumers who took part will be treated to a pot luck picnic. Tomasulo says they are also trying to get some canning classes together to help those who are committed to eating locally. To learn more about the challenge, visit the Eat Local America website. Visit Lexington Co-op’s website to find out about more exciting events and promotions as well as information on becoming a member.
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