One big part of the upcoming Octoberfeast that is epicure.sb (see accompanying feature) is an Eat Local Challenge sponsored by who else but the Santa Barbara Certified Farmers Market and Edible Santa Barbara.
Your mission? Eat locally-100-mile radius, 150-mile radius, only from California, you choose-for 31 days. Krista Harris, editor/publisher of Edible Santa Barbara, said, “I mean, really, can we even call it a challenge? How about pinot noir, California spiny lobster, gourmet olive oil, and the whole range of amazing produce that grows here. Eating local is better for our health, the environment, and our local economy-doing an Eat Local Challenge gives people a tangible way to try to make a difference.”
There’s also a wealth of support for those hoping to turn locavore for October. The Isla Vista Food Co-op is cosponsoring the challenge and is ready to point out what came from where. Restaurants like Coast and Downey’s are offering special locavore dinners. And since getting back to our land (and sea) doesn’t mean we have to ignore the Internet, there’s even an online support group to share questions, information, and tasty finds at groups.google.com/group/sb-eat-local-challenge.