The Food Revolution Comes to Central Ohio

Local Foods Week and Eat Local Challenge, October 2-8, 2010

Columbus, Ohio, September 13, 2010 – Central Ohio not-for-profit Local Matters announces its second annual Local Foods Week from October 2-8, 2010 and issues a challenge to the community in support of local food.

In addition to a week of fun festivities for Local Foods Week like the Harvest Ball, the Market to Market Ride, and the Grilled Cheese Throwdown, Local Matters is also challenging the community to deepen their connection to local food through their first Eat Local Challenge.

“This year we wanted to use Local Foods Week to ask the community to step up their commitment to eating more local food, so we’ve launched the Eat Local Challenge. Individuals pledge a personal commitment to local food and get entered for a chance to win great prizes like a ‘Pantry Makeover’ with local products from Whole Foods, or 26 weeks of the Weekly Fresh Market Bag from the Greener Grocer,”

says Local Matters Executive Director, chef Michael Jones.

“We’re inviting people to step out of their normal routine and try some of the delicious foods that are grown, raised and prepared here in Ohio,” said Dr. Shella Farooki a radiologist and member of the planning committee for Local Foods Week. “Increasing the proportion of fresh foods in your diet can have a big impact when it comes to your health.”

Angela Stoll Petro, founder of Two Caterers and a lead sponsor of Local Foods Week, shared her thoughts: “Two Caterers made a commitment to local food because fresh Ohio foods taste better on their own, which means less salt and sugar are needed. Fewer preservatives make it great for your health. The shorter distance from farm to fork means more nutrient rich food and less fuel consumed. And then there’s that much needed boost to family farms and Ohio’s economy. You can’t ask for a better way to confront many of the biggest issues we’re facing right now, and all at once!”

Full details and registration for Local Foods Week events and the Eat Local Challenge can be found at EatLocalOhio.org.

Local Matters work directly confronts the childhood obesity and diabetes epidemics; provides healthy food access in our communities; supports family farms; and advocates for fair food policies. To learn more, visit Local-Matters.org.

For additional information or sample copy contact: Todd Mills at 510-435-8974 or tmills@local-matters.org.

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