Project Goal #1: Eat seasonally, locally and organically

(Barkley and his beloved ball)

To eat seasonally, locally, sustainably, and organically, we intend to buy our food directly from farms, CSA's, farmers' markets, and coops whenever possible.
Rules:
A) 75% of our food purchases from within a 100 mile limit of our home.
B) 25% from with a 200 mile limit.
C) 3 family exceptions per month
D) Just 1 personal exemption per week, individually sized.
E) All exceptions must be organic and sustainable.

Why seasonal? It's all about the taste and the nutrients. Foods in season are at the peak of both their flavor and nutrient content. They very often need little other seasoning when eaten. They are crisp and delicious, juicy and lucious, hmmmm! The snap of tender spring asparagus, the sweetness of early summer strawberries, the sticky, gooey juices of peaches, and the crunch of harvest corn; a symphony of goodness.

Why local? It's all about the vast distances our food is being transported. Studies have shown the average food item times travels 1500 miles to reach our grocery stores. That seems to be an incredible waste of energy resources and food freshness. It also produces lots of greenhouse gases. Why not buy closer to home and support the farmer directly?

Why organic and sustainable? It's all about the chemicals and the environment. Much too much of our commericially grown plant food is exposed to pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and other agents that damage the environment and cause concern for our own health. Similarly, our commericially based animal food is often raised in conditions that pollute the environment and contribute to poor animal health, which then must be treatrd with antibiotics or hormones to boast production. Organic foods eliminate the chemicals. Sustainable foods don't damage the environment and are usually more humane.

Why the mile limits? We are blessed to live in the abundant Pacific Northwest. We can obtain most of what our family needs to eat within a 100 mile limit. A few products, most notably grain, require the extention to 200 miles.

Why the exceptions? This is a family project, not a punishment. We wish to see if we can live in a better way, but we all have our guilty pleasures. Ours include chocolate, coffee, Pepsi, Doritos, Fruit Loops, and dog biscuits. Therefore, we are giving each family member one exception per week, but they'll have to be healthier choices. Likewise, 3 family exclusions are allowed per month to allow for basic menu necessities. Family exclusions must be voted on by all family members. Our first family exclusions are 1 bag of lemons, 1 bottle of olive oil, and 1 wedge of parmesean cheese.

We're off to the Farmer's Market this morning and then to a local farm. We need fruit, veggies, cheese, honey, and grains. Wish us luck.

Julie Ann