Sourcing “The Local”

What does “local” mean?

In the neighborhood, down the street or across town? Maybe the nearby countryside fits the bill or the afternoon cruise to the mountainous or oceanic regions? Once we determine the meaning of the term, then we can talk about the owner of locality. For example, does the farmer determine her blueberries to be local or does the family at the farmers market? Clearly, both the consumer and producer have a stake in the word and its ambiguous meanings. That being the case, who are we to trust?
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News to Be Proud Of (if you live in Oregon)

The Ashland School Board voted 5-0 to change the school lunch program. The advocacy of concerned parents in the community spoke loud and clear. Starting next fall, the school district will no longer buy crappy food and services from Sodexo, Inc. (what kind of name is that?!) and will source all of its food from local farms that grow organic food! This my friends, is news to be proud of.

For all you cynics out there, you will be happy to know that costs will increase and will affect the district’s budget. At the same time, the seemingly abstract idea of healthier kids will take precedent over cheap food. No more pizza for breakfast or french fries as vegetables. Now the kids will get the chance to eat real food on a daily basis.

To read the original text, go here.

Edible Portland, Spring 2010

Edible Portland, Spring 2010

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A Chance to Join the Food Movement! (If you live in Portland.)

Calling all activists, educators, citizens and conscious-eaters living in Multnomah County! There is an upcoming and excellent opportunity to participate in the discussion and planning of food policy for our community. The Portland Food Policy Council will have its next general meeting on Wednesday, March, 10 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in the Rose Room, Portland City Hall, 1221 SW 4th Ave.
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Cooking Class Conundrum

In the past I ranted on the inefficiencies of non-profit organizations. Today I encountered a situation that reminded me of this “do-good polemic.” When I realized we do not have unlimited funds and certain choices must be made.
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