Local Flavor Week

Flavor of the Week


What is Local Flavor Week?

Local Flavor Week is a celebration of fresh, in-season fruits and vegetables grown in and around Washington, DC, taking place September 21-25, 2009. Participating schools will serve local produce in their cafeterias, and organize educational activities emphasizing where food comes from and why fresh, local fruits and veggies are good for the mind, body and planet!

Local Flavor Week marks efforts to bring Farm to School to the District of Columbia! Farm to School programs improve access to fresh, local food in school cafeterias, and support educational opportunities that reconnect schoolchildren with where their food comes from.

Local Flavor Week is being organized by the DC Farm to School Network. Learn more and connect with the Network at www.dcfarmtoschool.org.

Click here to see what Key is doing for Local Flavor Week

Why should your family care about fresh, locally grown food?

(Adapted from the Food Project.org)

  • Eating fresh, local produce is nutritious, reduces risk of diseases like obesity and diabetes, and can improve your child’s overall aptitude in school and life. A publication called Bearing Fruit goes into more detail find it here: www.departments.oxy.edu/uepi/cfj/bearingfruit.htm
  • Local food tastes better - it can be eaten close to when it was picked, so it contains all of the natural nutrients and tastes ripe and fresh!
  • Local food is better for the environment - by eating local, we save of the excess energy it takes to ship food across the country, and to distribution centers, processors, and retailers far away.
  • Local food supports your community's economy- buying local food supports local farms and preserves farmland for future generations to enjoy.

Fresh Snack/Lunch Ideas

Ways to Incorporate Fresh, Local Food Everyday

  1. Visit a farmers’ market: see www.dcfarmtoschool.org for a complete list in the DC area
  2. Visit an urban garden in or near DC
  3. Serve and prepare food that’s grown locally and/or in season! In the fall, that means apples, turkey, butternut squash, onions, spinach, sweet potatoes - for more info: www.freshfarmmarkets.org/market_recipes.php
  4. Participate in a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) where you receive a regular supply of produce from a local farm: www.localharvest.org
  5. Have local, organic milk, dairy, eggs and more delivered right to your door with South Mountain Creamery: www.southmountaincreamery.com
Flavor of the Week Sponsors