Be a locavore for a meal or two

Summer is the season for locavores, consumers who consciously commit to eating foods produced closer to home. Beyond lessening their carbon footprint by paying attention to the origin of foods, they also enjoy fresher fare and support local farmers. 'Locavore' was even named the 2007 Word of the Year by the New Oxford American Dictionary!

Some locavores stick within a narrow 100-mile radius -- inspired by a Vancouver couple who wrote a book on their year-long 100-mile diet -- while others widen the net and eat regional foods or keep it simple and choose a handful of available foods to consistently purchase locally. I guess you could say there are no strict rules when it comes to being a locavore.

If that's the case, how about wearing a locavore hat for a meal or two this month? Head to your local farmer's market and buy ingredients for a locally-grown meal. Maybe a spring mix salad with veggies, sweet potatoes and slices of melon? You can also patronize a restaurant featuring locally-sourced meals, a new trend as chefs head to farmer's markets to purchase local foods to feature on the menu. Finally, don't miss the many tips and articles from writers nationwide over at the Eat Local Challenge blog -- it's a terrific, educational site.