Coos Bay, OR (October 21, 2011) – Communities around the country are gearing up for the first annual Food Day, aimed at increasing public awareness about the importance of good food to health and economic prosperity. Food Day is set for Monday, October 24, 2011, and will see thousands of forums and celebrations from coast to coast aimed at promoting healthy diets and solving local communities’ food problems. More information can be found at http://foodday.org.
As part of Food Day, Oregon Coast Community Action has updated their Local Food Guide for 2011. The guide includes information about markets and producers who bring locally grown food to the people of the South Coast. The updated guide will be available for download Oct. 24 at www.orcca.us, or for pick up in early November at the Coos Bay, North Bend and Bandon Libraries, the Coos Bay and North Bend Visitor Centers, and the Pancake Mill in North Bend.
ORCCA is working to strengthen the local food system on the South Coast to help ensure that everyone can have access to fresh healthy food. The purpose of the Local Food Guide is to educate consumers about local food options and to encourage people to support local producers. Locally grown food travels a short distance to reach consumers and is therefore fresher, riper, seasonal and less expensive. This also means that less fuel is used to transport goods, reducing negative environmental impacts.
“Buying from your neighbors helps the whole community’s economy stay strong,” says Mary Schoen-Clark, ORCCA CEO. “ Supporting locally produced food helps you and your neighbors thrive through better food, a healthier environment, and increased economic opportunity.”
In addition to the Local Food Guide, ORCCA is planning an event called FEAST that will be held January 25th, 2012. FEAST is a forum for community members to discuss the state of the local food system, identify areas for improvement, and form partnerships to begin resolving these issues. Details will be forthcoming.
Oregon Coast Community Action is a non-profit network of programs that help feed, house, warm and educate the communities of the South Coast. For more information, please call (541) 888-1574 or learn more at www.orcca.us.
Interviews Available: Josh Warburg, ORCCA Development Intern
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