What Foods Will Never Grow in Ohio? #LocalFoodsOH

When facilitating an Introduction to Local Foods class, my colleague and I often ask, “How many favorite foods can you share that will never grow in Ohio?”  Common answers from both youth and adults include: coconuts, coffee and chocolate as well as tropical fruits like pineapple, mango and citrus. While some foods will never grow in Ohio, there is great diversity of hundreds of foods from Ohio representing all five food groups of MyPlate: milk, grains, fruits, vegetables and protein foods, as well as foods that are “extras” like desserts, cooking oils, sauces, beverages and condiments.

Ohio Local Foods Week is August 7-13, 2016. Individuals, families, businesses and communities are encouraged to grow, purchase, highlight and promote local food all the time but especially during this week. This week has been designated not only to enjoy the tastes of local foods but it is also a time to become more aware and better informed about the nutritional, economic, and social benefits of local foods.

The #LocalFoodsOH celebration is not to discourage anyone from eating or drinking foods that are not produced in Ohio. There is not a single definition for “local” foods. For example, Ohio counties that boarder other states can easily enjoy “local” foods that are within a few mile radius but not produced within the state. Please enjoy tropical fruits, coffee and chocolate and please think about other favorite foods that could be purchased locally. In TEDxDayton, OSU Extension Field Specialist, Brian Raison, encouraged listeners to, “Be a Local Food Superhero.”  Raison suggests that for him, these non-local foods would account for less than 10% of his diet. Therefore over 90% of his food expenses can be directed to local food purchases.

You are invited to participate in the $10 Ohio Local Foods Week Challenge! Do you spend at least $10 on local foods? Click here to commit your pledge to supporting local foods in your community. Please share your local food story  with family and friends – both in person and online #LocalFoodsOH. Be sure to follow Ohio Local Foods Week on Face Book and Twitter @OHLocalFoodWeek