We did not hear about the Eat Local Challenge until the very end last year, so I was excited to be able to jump on board at the near beginning this time around.   Why are we doing it?

Overall, I feel we are pretty good about eating locally; but, I thought this challenge would be a good way to take a reality check to see how we are “really” doing.  As well, here is a list of 10 great reasons for eating locally!

Those who are taking part this October have been asked to answer the following three questions to begin the challenge:

What is your definition of local? Within 100 miles, buying from local farmers.

What exemptions will you claim? I went through our pantry and the items I will use up this month.  Most likely they are not local.  Once we finish them, I will look “locally” when replenishing them:  Coffee, Tea, Steel Cut Oats, Canned Chickpeas and Pinto Beans, Baking Supplies, Seasonings, dried herbs (we mostly use fresh) and Bananas.

What is your goal for the month? To reassess our eating habits by keeping a journal on this blog of what we eat nightly for dinner. As well, I want to see how much I can get our grocery bill down by shopping locally and by planning out our weekly menu.

I mainly buy all of our groceries from Wholefoods and I try to always buy items that are made or raised in California.  As well I try to only shop for seasonal food items. I found this website, Cuesa, and they have a great interactive map. Starting now, I am going to make more of an effort to shop within these areas as well as shop at the Farmers Markets.

I did not get a chance to start the week by visiting the Farmer’s Market this weekend for our menu planning; but, I only purchased organic/local (California) produce, locally raised chicken and dairy products from Wholefoods.  A weeks worth of groceries including a bottle of sustainable wine from the coast came up to $102.00

This week’s menu will include:

White Bean Soup

Butternut Soup

Fennel Soup

Cauliflower Soup

Roasted Chicken with Tarragon and Pancetta (I need to find locally made)

Brussel Sprout Slaw & a couple other veggie sides and salads

So please come dine with us soon!