Happy Local Foods Week

This week is Central Ohio Local Foods Week (August 11-19). The local foods movement is an effort to purchase and consume fresh produce and other foods that are grown in or near your community.

According to the USDA, in the past 15 years the number of farmers markets has tripled. There are now more than 7000 across the country. Here in Coshocton County we have three farmers markets during the summer months in Coshocton, Fresno and Warsaw. Coshocton County is also home to Local Bounty, a year round producer and consumer cooperative.

Coshocton County Farmers Market

Saturdays, May - October

8:30 AM-12:00 PM

Coshocton County Fairgrounds

Fresno Farmers Market

Saturdays, May - October

8:00 AM-12:00 PM

Mark McCoy's Auto in Fresno (follow signs)

Warsaw Farmers Market

Thursdays, May - September

4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

River View Community Park

Local Bounty Coshocton

Open Year Round

Thursdays and Fridays  2:00-6:00 PM

Saturdays 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

State Route 83 next to Lake Park Soccer Complex

Farmers markets are at a location where several vendors gather to sell produce, plants, other agricultural products and crafts. A farm market is a location where a producer sells produce and other items that are usually grown at that farm. Farm markets are typically open daily while farmers markets are usually open weekly. There are also several farm markets here in the county.

Many restaurants are also making the effort to prepare foods using locally sourced ingredients. The National Restaurant Association identified the top two trends for 2011 as “locally sourced meats and seafood” and “locally grown produce.”

There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy some local agricultural products, so I encourage you to make a special effort this week.