Think Local First!

Buying local is good for us, good for the economy and good for the environment.  So how can we find out more about where to buy yummy local food and goods?

Thrive (The Rogue Initiative for a Vital Economy) is a local non-profit organization dedicated to helping create a prosperous and sustainable economy in the Rogue Valley.  “Eating locally grown food is the best way to stay healthy, enjoy delicious food, preserve our agricultural lands and support family farms,” says Thrive Executive Director Wendy Siporen.  “Thrive is here to help connect you to the farms and other food businesses of the Rogue Valley and help us keep our dollars in the local economy.”

One very informative product produced annually by Thrive is the Rogue Flavor Guide:  your guide for fresh, local food in southern Oregon.  The Guide tells you where to find businesses and events that provide local food and goods.  This includes farms and ranches; community supported agriculture (CSAs); grocery and specialty markets; wine, beer and spirits; farmers markets; and special local food and wine events.  You can pick up a copy of the Guide in many local Jacksonville businesses or at the Jacksonville Review offices, or call (541) 488-7272 to get your free copy.

For the month of September, local crops include apples, green beans, beets, blackberries, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, figs, garlic, grapes, lettuce, melons, onions, peaches, pears, peppers, plums, potatoes, spinach, summer squash, strawberries and tomatoes.

Farmer’s Markets are a great way to find local food in season.  Every Saturday through October, the Jacksonville Farmer’s Market is held at the Fifth Street Courthouse from 9am to noon.  Other local Farmers Markets are in Ashland on Tuesday and Saturday; Medford on Thursday and Saturday mornings and Friday evening; and Talent on Friday evening.

But what if you can’t get to the Farmers Market because you work or have other commitments?  Or maybe the Farmers Market doesn’t have the produce, cheese, meat or flowers that you want to buy.  Thrive has the answer!   Each week local farmers post fresh in season produce, meats, fish, dairy, eggs and other items such as cheese, soap and flowers online.  Rogue Valley Local Foods is an online farmers market open from 9am on Friday through 9pm on Tuesday, all year long.  You place a custom order online and pick up your order on Thursday.  The pickup location in Jacksonville is at Gary West Meats from 4pm to 6pm.  To order online, go to www.roguevalleylocalfoods.org.

September is a great month for local Thrive events.   One of the most exciting September events is the Eat Local Challenge Week, September 8-18, 2011.   This is a great way to begin eating local, seasonal foods which are grown, raised or produced within 200 miles.  Challenge choices include:

  • Sampler- local seasonal foods that you consume for 2 meals in a week
  • Taster – local seasonal foods that you consume for 1 meal per day for a week
  • Locavore – all foods that you consume during the week are local seasonal foods, except for coffee, chocolate and non-local spices
  • Locavore Supreme – all foods that you consume during the week are local seasonal foods.

Sign up for the challenge at www.buylocalrogue.org.

There are also many local events during Eat Local Challenge Week.  One of the many activities during Eat Local Week is the Rogue Flavor Food & Farm Tour. This year, Thrive will be taking you to visit farms in the Applegate including Barking Moon Farm, Mellonia Farm, Thompson Creek Organics and Iron Age Farm and offering a delicious all-local lunch.  If you would like to participate in this fun event on Sunday September 11, 2011, call 541-488-7272 to reserve your place.

Additionally, many local restaurants provide meals with 75% or more local ingredients, allowing us to participate in the bounty from local farms and businesses.  Jacksonville participants include The Jacksonville Inn and Gary West Meats.  Gary West Meats will host a BBQ revolution on Saturday September 17, 2011 from noon to 4pm.  Local ranchers will be grilling their own beef and more.  Come and sample organic, grain and grass-fed beef, pork and poultry.

Thrive invites you to enjoy an evening of local flavor – an elegant 5-course dinner combining the fresh flavors of local farms and the culinary talents of the Rogue Valley’s finest chefs.  All proceeds will benefit Thrive’s programs to create a more sustainable local economy.  The dinner is at 6pm, Saturday September 17, 2011 at RoxyAnn Winery in Medford.  Call 541-488-7272 to reserve your place.

Linda Davis

So, on a beautiful September day, sit outside sipping a glass of local wine while enjoying the fresh tastes of local, in season food produced by our wonderful Rogue Valley businesses.

Linda Davis moved to Jacksonville three years ago, with her husband Tom and her dog Ellie. As a retiree, she loves Jacksonville and is passionate about supporting local businesses.  Linda is a Thrive Board Member and volunteer.  Previously, in her work life, Linda was a rail safety consultant.