Eat Local Week 2019

Whether you are a hardcore “locavore” or you just want to try eating a little more sustainably, taking the Eat Local Week Challenge will help you support the local economy, reduce your carbon footprint, and eat some delicious and nutritious food.

What is Eat Local Week?

Eat Local Week Utah challenges you to eat as locally as possible from September 7th to 14th. “Local” typically qualifies as food grown and produced within a 250 mile radius. While it may seem daunting to go without coffee for a week, thanks to the local farmers markets and the events throughout Eat Local Week, there are many ways to participate!

The week’s events include a roster of fun for the whole family starting with Wasatch Community Garden’s Tomato Sandwich Party in the Grateful Tomato Garden. The event serves up free and absolutely fresh pesto and tomato sandwiches. This week you can also support Wasatch Community Gardens and eat fresh, locally grown tomatoes at local restaurants participating in the 2019 Tomato Days.

Other festivities include the Punk Rock Farm to Taco Truck, a Local Spirit Tasting at the Downtown Caputos, and a week-long recipe contest.

Why Eat Local?

In Utah, our food choices contribute to 25% of the household carbon footprint. Eating locally-grown foods require less equipment to grow and harvest, less transportation, and demand less packaging. By consuming locally grown food, you can help reduce your carbon footprint and eat healthier food. Moreover, by thoughtfully using the food you buy, you can help reduce food waste.

On top of all of these benefits, eating locally helps boost our economy, preserve open space, and maintain our agricultural heritage by supporting small farms.

How Can You Participate?

It can be intimidating to eat local all week long. Luckily, there are many ways to find local food and enjoy Eat Local Week.

There are numerous farmers markets in Salt Lake City, including the Downtown Farmers Market at Pioneer Park, the Liberty Park Farmers Market and the Sugar House Farmers Market. The Farmers Markets accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and matches the value with Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) on locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Everything from eating one locally-grown meal a day or incorporating more local produce into your diet will help reduce your carbon footprint and give you a taste of Utah’s delicious and healthy local food.

Take the Pledge: Eat Local

If you’re ready to take the pledge to eat local this week and support the local food system, take the Eat Local 2019 pledge.

Find out how SLCgreen is working to support the local food system by making fresh, healthy, and sustainable food accessible to everyone.