(Note: In this post, I will talk about the mechanics of the Eat Local Challenge for further details, please read the introductory post.)
For the month of August, I would like to invite all bloggers to join me in taking a challenge to eat food local to where you live. You will be able to build your challenge parameters yourself, and set reachable goals for the month. Ths goal of this time is to eat as much local food as possible, and to really pay attention to where your food comes from.
Between now and July 31, think about how you would like to participate. Also, work to find local sources of products that you haven't found before. Talk to farmers, tap your blog community.
By Sunday, July 31, post something on your blog saying that you are participating in the Local Food Challenge and spelling out the following:
1. What's your definition of local for this challenge?
The Locavores are using a 100-mile radius around their home to define local foods. I will probably be doing the same. You could define local as anything from within your county to within the state or the United States.
2. What exemptions will you claim?
There are some things that are a part of your everyday life that will be impossible to source locally. For instance, I will still be purchasing coffee during the month, but I will continue to drink coffee from Blue Bottle Coffee which at least roasts locally. I haven't decided on my other exemptions yet, but will spend the month of July working to find reasonable substitutes for products and then making a decision.
3. What is your personal goal for the month?
You don't have to set your goal at eating every meal locally -- while that is the ideal, we want to be realistic here. You could set a goal of having each dinner with local products, having one family meal a week, or even hosting one weekend picnic with local foods during the month.
Also feel free to use this post to discuss products you are having trouble finding, and hopefully your readership and the participants in this challenge will both help you find what you need.
Once you have posted, email a link to the post to me, along with a link to the rss feed for your blog (if you have one) and I will announce all of the participants at the beginning of August. Please put the word ANNOUNCEMENT in the title of your email.
Interested in a "Eat Local Challenge" logo for your site? Check out this page and use whatever logo suits you. This is strictly a voluntary thing ... don't feel that you have to use the logo if it doesn't go with your site design.
Throughout the month, I will monitor your posts by RSS feed and post updates of everyone's progress at least once a week.
Also, if you have a moment, please take the time to sign up on the Locavores site so that they have a comprehensive list of who participated.
If you have any questions about the mechanics of this challenge, please feel free to contact me or post comments here.
