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Who is a Localvore?

Localvores are people committed to eating and learning about foods grown close to home. They define local food as food grown, harvested, and processed within a 100 miles of their home. Many communities in New England are taking the Localvore Challenge; an event where participants pledge to eat only locally grown and produced foods during a defined time period - usually a day, a week or a month. Individuals can sponsor a potluck dinner with locally grown dishes, sharing ideas, recipes and food sources. This is an event that has been growing in recognition and importance, raising consciousness about our food choices, places of origin, and benefits to individuals as well as economic health of our communities, states, and country.

With Wal-Mart gaining market share in organic, but distantly sourced food sales, it is a critical time for struggling Vermont family farms to survive. It is time for us to re-localize our food system, change our food purchasing and consumption patterns and seek nourishment closer to home.

When we buy locally rather than importing from other regions we support our neighbors and our communities, and begin to tackle global concerns.

Why is this Important to
Hillsboro Sugarworks?

Hillsboro Sugarworks relies on its local markets and loyal customers that buy our products. We understand the importance of and appreciate our repeat buyers, who are the foundation of our economic success. We are proud to have developed and maintained markets that are within a 100 mile radius to food co-ops, restaurants, bakeries, colleges, gift stores, and inns.

On a personal level, knowing where our food comes from, and how it is grown or raised, enables us to choose food from farmers we know, and respect. We want local farms to survive and continue to be part of our landscape. We are concerned about oil-dependent shipping of foods over long distances and food borne illnesses that are becoming more prevalent. We are concerned about the control of our food supply in the hands of a few, multinational corporations focused on short-term profits, not the economic and environmental health of our communities.

What Can You Do?

• Make a complete meal from local ingredients
• Start a Localvore group in your area
• Have a weekly, or monthly Localvore potluck dinner with friends and neighbors
• Shop at you local farmer's markets and stores that support local producers
• Commit to buying food produced within 100 mile radius of your home, allowing for nonlocal treats such as coffee, tea, spices, peanut butter, olive oil, chocolate and maple syrup.
  
• Educate yourself as to the origins of your food and food concerns you might have.
• Attend a workshop, read a book, or see the movie Food, Inc.