Eat Local for Thanksgiving!

A message from Puget Sound Fresh and the Cascade Harvest Coalition:

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Hey Friends,

In the wake of summer's sunshine, we're blessed with a spectacular bounty of food grown right here in the Pacific Northwest. However, with shorter days and regular rainfall, time spent outdoors may now seem daunting.But several area farmers markets <http://www.pugetsoundfresh.org/eatlocal/where-to-buy-local.htm>are still open and offer not only the chance to buy great food, but can help with planning a delicious Thanksgiving feast!

On Saturday, November 15^th at 12 Noon, Mayor Greg Nickels will take the pledge to Eat Local for Thanksgiving at the University District's Farmers Market, located at University Way NE and NE 50^th . He'll be joined by Chef Mark Schoenthaler of Roux Seattle, who will showcase the cornucopia of fresh and tasty farm products available at market vendors as he prepares easy and delicious dishes.Join us for a celebration of the senses – see the brightly colored winter squash, ample varieties of apples, autumn greens, and so much more that might be welcome additions to your Thanksgiving table.

And while you're there, take the Pledge <http://www.pugetsoundfresh.org/eatlocal/index.asp>to include at least one locally grown or produced food item in your Thanksgiving feast!Eating local food is simple, affordable, and delicious - and makes a difference!

When you choose to Eat Local for Thanksgiving, you:

• Support our local farms, which increases local jobs and strengthens the rural areas of Washington

• Reduce our dependence on food grown far away

• Keep our locally earned dollars circulating in our local economy

• Strengthen our local food system so we have healthy, safe and delicious food that supports our families and our environment.

Visit: www.pugetsoundfresh.org/eatlocal <http://www.pugetsoundfresh.org/eatlocal>, and *_please forward to family, friends and colleagues_*, and invite them to join you in your pledge to Eat Local for Thanksgiving!

If you are interested in receiving Eat Local for Thanksgiving promotional materials, please contact Mark McIntyre at mark@cascadeharvest.org.

Thanks!

Eat Local for Thanksgiving Steering Committee/The Eat Local for Thanksgiving 2008 campaign is supported by Cascade Harvest Coalition/Puget Sound Fresh, King County, Pierce County, Pierce Conservation District, Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance, Warm 106.9 FM, KWJZ 96.9 FM Smooth Jazz, Organic Valley Family of Farms, Pike Place Market, PCC Natural Markets, and Clear Channel. Other participants include Seattle Tilth, Acting Food Policy Council Seattle-King County, Snohomish County, Kitsap County, Seattle Farmers Market Association, and Port Angeles Farmers Market. /

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- Franna and EverRanch Farm, CHC Member