BriarPatch’s “Eat Local” extravaganza for August

From BriarPatch:
Want to learn more about eating local? BriarPatch Co-op is launching a campaign this summer to help people do just that. From August 1 through August 31, consumers can explore the benefits (and fun) of eating the region’s best locally sourced foods through its Eat Local Extravaganza.

Free food, events, and a raffle will take place during the Extravaganza. Every weekday during the month of August, free samples from local and regional businesses will be offered. The Patch is sponsoring a tour of Riverhill Farm on Sunday, August 14 at 9:00 a.m. To connect with others seeking to carpool, meet on the front patio at BriarPatch between 8:15 and 8:30 a.m.

Think Local First has helped organize a restaurant raffle card again this year. Pick up a card at BriarPatch. The list of participating restaurants is on the back. The card has four boxes that when stamped by the local eateries can be turned in for a raffle for gift certificates from participating restaurants. It’s possible to eat locally and win fun stuff too. For more information on Eat Local Extravaganza happenings, visit www.briarpatch.coop.

BriarPatch defines local food as any food grown within a 20 mile radius of Grass Valley. During the Eat Local Extravaganza and throughout the year, the Patch helps shoppers identify local food by marking with shelf signs all locally grown food (20 miles) and regionally grown food (120 miles).

“This is an exciting time of year for co-ops; the bounty and diversity of local foods are at their peak in Nevada County,” said Chris Maher, general manager, BriarPatch Co-op. “The Eat Local Extravaganza gives us a chance to introduce ‘newbies’ to the local food movement in a fun, engaging way, and also to challenge local food lovers to get creative.”

“Though eating locally has become more popular recently, BriarPatch Co-op has a long tradition of developing close relationships with food producers,” added Maher. “Right now there is a groundswell of people looking for authentic local foods, and we’re thrilled to be at the center of this movement.”

BriarPatch joins more than 40 natural food co-ops hosting Eat Local events coast-to-coast. All are members of National Cooperative Grocers Association (NCGA), a business services cooperative representing 119 retail food co-ops nationwide.