Jamie Alcorn, manager of the Truro Farmers’ Market, is encouraging everyone to commit to eating 50 per cent of their food from a local source throughout the month of September.
“It’s making a commitment to the community. It helps local producers, farmers, keeps land in use and the money stays in the area,” said Alcorn.
She said 50 per cent is a reasonable challenge.
“We are asking people to think bigger. There are lots of avenues to buy and eat local. It’s not just through farmers’ markets now and more and more restaurants locally are making a difference in where they purchase their food,” Alcorn said.
“And, there’s so much fresh product now, especially this time of year. Even if people (commit) to any (percentage), it creates awareness with our environment and economy.”
Alcorn said the 50 per cent local food initiative originally began in Cape Breton last year and now farmers’ markets and some businesses are doing it province-wide.
Other events in conjunction with the initiative include ‘The Beet Goes On’ at the Truro Farmers’ Market on Sept. 13. Holistic nutritionist Katie Levy will cook and offer samples of kale and beet recipes from 10 a.m. to noon.
From Sept. 16 to 19, restaurant Bistro 22, on Inglis Place, will offer daily menu specials using farmers’ market ingredients.
On Sept. 24 a lunch ‘n learn will be held at the market at noon with Levy. Bring a bagged lunch and talk about preparing Thanksgiving meals with all local food.
For more information on the province-wide challenge, log onto www.nslocalfoodclub.wordpress.com
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