Local Food in Sarasota County

The food system of any community can be defined as the "Who, What, Where, When, Why and How of our food from farm to plate ". In other words, how does the system of food production, processing, distribution, consumption and waste management function to provide all of us with our food needs. A sustainable food system is collaborative network of farmers, consumers and communities to partner to create a more locally based, self-reliant food system.

Here is a list of 10 reasons to buy local foods that is offered by Vern Grubinger of the University of Vermont Extension

Locally grown food tastes better
Local produce is better for you
Local food preserves genetic diversity
Local food is safe
Local food supports local families
Local food builds community
Local food preserves open space
Local food keeps taxes down
Local food benefits the environment and wildlife
Local food is an investment in the future

For additional reading on reasons to buy local foods, I heartily recommend the essay "Eating Locally - A Matter of Integrity " by John Ikerd

This webpage offers information to Sarasota County consumers on sources of locally-produced foods in order to facilitate this critical step towards developing a sustainable local food system. It's offered also in hopes of increasing public awareness of importance and potential of local agriculture to improve the sustainability and quality of life in Sarasota County. So make friends with you local producers and encourage local eateries and stores to provide more local foods for your enjoyment.

"What is a local food " is an important question for consumers to help answer. Is it the 100 mile definition as stated by the 100 Mile Diet group or is it determined by consumers with informed choices as stated by the Food Routes organization. Let the spending of your food dollars be your vote for the definition.

For a "Citizen Consumer's Guide to Find Local Foods and Grow a Local Food System" download this presentation:

Finding Local Food
PDF Guide to Local Farmers and Farmer Markets in Sarasota County (updated regularly)

Are you looking for information on organic vegetable gardening for growing your own foods? Look here for presentations from the 'First & Third Saturdays' classes at the Orange Blossom and Laurel Community Gardens

For online searches of local food sources, here are the best links to

http://www.floridafarmlink.org/ - a networking tool to help FL communities and farmers build local food connections.
http://www.localharvest.org/ - a national database of many local foods categories that includes Florida listings
http://www.eatwellguide.org - a national database of multiple local foods categories that includes Florida listings by zip code
http://www.eatwild.com/ - a national database of local grass-fed meat producers that includes Florida listings
http://www.foginfo.org/ - a Florida database of local, certified organic producers
http://www.florida-agriculture.com/consumers/farmers_markets.htm - a Florida database of community farmers markets
http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/localfood- a national database of local foods directories that includes Florida