There’s an ongoing debate about local foods versus organic. A study released this week in the news says that organic food is no more nutritious than conventionally grown food. I don’t buy organic for any perceived increase in the health benefits but to avoid unnecessary pesticides when possible.
In 2007, the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) and its many partners sought to answer: Can we build a sustainable local food economy, from farm to fork? Through the enthusiastic support of thousands of North Carolinians and hundreds of local, regional and statewide organizations, including partners like NC GreenPower, the Local events and outreach have increased participation in the 10% Campaign Farm to Fork program – Building North Carolina’s Local Food Economy – to nearly 6,000 participants, 700 businesses and more than $21 million spent locally in just over two years.
So join the 10% Campaign! I always look for the sign in the window of restaurants. I was overjoyed when I was recently in Banner Elk and spotted the sticker in the window of The Frog and the Monkey, a mostly vegetarian hidden gem in the heart of the North Carolina mountains. I dug into one of their North Fork Farm's steroid, growth-hormone and antibiotic free grass-fed beef burgers and some hand-cut, made fresh daily sweet potato fries!
Ready to take the local food pledge? Join North Carolina’s 10% Campaign and support the local economy!
Visit your local farmer’s market or a find an “NC Farm Fresh” organic, pick-your-own or CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm near you.
