Locavore.

In 2007, The Oxford American Dictionary named the term "locavore" Word of the Year. The word is often used to describe any person who chases after locally-grown food.

In today's fast growing "Green Revolution," a lot of society folk seem to be under the assumption that organic is the sole way to go. It is the safest, healthiest, environmentally-friendly food you can find. However, this is not always the case. For instance, in 2006, a large amount of spinach leaves from the E. coli recall were, in fact, organic. Further, it is likely that you may be eating organic products that originate in foreign countries, leading to a high environmental cost when it comes to importing the product to the United States.

In 2003, an Iowa State University survey determined that the average bite of food eaten in the U.S. has traveled 1500 miles from where it was grown to where it was eaten. On the contrary, they found that foods grown locally through special projects traveled an average of only 44.6 miles.

I am in no way suggesting that one should not eat organically. I am merely informing "the masses" that the next, and perhaps more logical, trend in the Green Revolution is locally-grown produce.

Local does not necessarily mean organic. Yes, they share much common ground, but when it comes to truly adding something to the Green Revolution, eating locally is much more environmentally friendly.

Why go local?

- Fresher, more nutritious (less transportation time from farm to store)

-Reduction of energy consumption

-Increase regional economic health (which increases local quality of life)

-Encourages a self-sufficient community (stabilizes food supply)

-Preserves biodiversity farmers (sell things that are hard to find in supermarkets)

-Preserves the rural character of the land

-Avoid post-harvest contamination (minimal or no waxes/fungicides)

+ better quality, better tasting, and YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR FOOD IS COMING FROM AND HOW IT'S GROWN.

While eating locally can be a challenge for people living in certain regions, I do think there is a lot more value in eating local versus just organic. I'm proud to say Greenville has a thriving selection of local produce, as well as several restaurants/stores that promote local food. Further, we are home to two large farmers markets- Carolina First Saturday Market and Greenville State Farmers Market. And as far as the state of SC goes, the Certified South Carolina Grown Program is currently branding and promoting South Carolina products in stores, as well as working to ensure that restaurant menus incorporate 25% certified South Carolina grown produce and products in season.

While I don't think it's necessary to eat EVERYTHING local, it certainly is worthy of some attention.

Fun Fact- Locally produced food is one of the top food trends for 2008.