Take Action
Your help is what makes the Locally Grown Guide the comprehensive resource for local food in the Wood River Valley. We’re looking for ambassadors who can speak with businesses about supporting local.
BE A LOCAL FOOD ADVOCATE
Food is at the center of resilience. Here are four ways that a thriving regional foodshed supports are silent community:
Economic
Each dollar spent at a produce farm using direct-to-consumer marketing channels generated 44 cents more in local economic activity than purely wholesale-oriented produce farms.
Energy
The average American meal travels 1,500 miles. Sourcing from regional farmers and ranchers reduces the food miles and carbon foot print of your plate.
Environment
Regional farmers are more likely to adhere to organic and natural growing processes.
Community
Regional food systems provide a sense of place by reconnecting producers, consumers, community places, and living beings across ecosystems.
TOGETHER WE CAN CHANGE THE SYSTEM!
We can create a thriving community with greater farmer income, healthier air, water, soil, and fresh, nutrient-dense foods available year-round. By supporting local farmers and food businesses, we can each do our part to guarantee an ample supply of nourishing food for our community; ensure vibrant and prosperous farmers markets; preserve farmland; and scale up regenerative agriculture to maximize food quality and combat the global climate crisis
step 01
Be on the front line of supporting local food producers.
step 02
Encourage food businesses to use and sell locally produced products.
step 03
Help businesses to submit their listings to the Guide.
step 04
Introduce institutions to local food procurement policies.
step 05
Help keep Locally Grown Guide distribution points stocked.
step 06
Work with local businesses on sponsorship opportunities for the online and printed guide.
A Year in the Life of a Local Food Supporter
Plant
Connect with local gardeners and share your experience and knowledge at the 5B Resilience Gardens winter webinars and workshops.
Plan a garden. A well-planned garden provides all season long. Think about what you like to eat and where to plant to take advantage of your yard’s micro-climates.
Share your plants and seeds. At the Upper Big Wood River Grange Seed & Plant exchange, you can share the seeds you saved from the last season and pick up new seeds and plants from other gardeners.
Grow
Tend your own gardens. In addition to your home garden, you also join others at the Bloom Community Center to grow food for the community.
Participate in the area garden tours given by Sawtooth Botanical Garden and be inspired by what other gardeners are doing.
Visit local farms. There is no better time to experience how your food is grown than a farm tour at the height of the growing season.
Continue to nurture your soil by caring for your compost pile.
Savor
Slow down and really taste everything that was produced during the year.
Protect the soil and incorporate more organic material by cover cropping your garden beds.
Preserve and store crops. With preparation, the harvest season can be enjoyed year-round.
Try something new with a winter recipe.