Louisiana State Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain challenges Louisianians to eat local for one week
The Eat Local Louisiana Challenge, which coincides with the National Farmers Market Week of August 3 through 9, encourages Louisiana residents to only eat food that is grown within 100 miles of their homes during that week.
“I’m issuing the Eat Local Louisiana Challenge to everyone,” Strain said. “We’ve got more than a hundred local farmers markets and fruit stands across the state. Think of the possibilities: peaches from Ruston, blueberries from the Felicianas, crawfish from the Atchafalaya and pork and beef from your local meat markets and rice and gravy.”
Families and individuals alike are asked to make an event out of the Eat Local Louisiana Challenge by visiting local farms, farmers markets and other agritourism venues to get a better understanding of how food gets to their dining tables.
Strain added, “Your food will taste better because it’s fresher and you’ll be proud to support your Louisiana farmer and the local economy. You’ll know your food is coming from your area and not trucked in from hundreds of miles away.”
Below is a link to a list of state farmers markets, roadside fruit stands and agritourism activities. Strain commented that the Eat Local Louisiana Challenge will ultimately lead to changes in the way Louisiana eats. You can also visit the Louisiana 2 Step calendar to see when many area farmers markets will be held.