The 2007-2008 edition of the "West Michigan FRESH: Guide to Local Food" has been released. The guide, produced annually by the Greater Grand Rapids Food Systems Council includes a variety of resources designed to assist people in eating more locally grown food. The guide features a seasonality calendar outlining when fruits and vegetables are available and an extensive listing of farmers' markets, community supported agriculture ventures, and farms in the area. Additionally, the guide contains information about eating locally in the winter.

The guide is available online at www.foodshed.net

For those unsure about why they should buy local food, the guide features "10 Reasons to Buy Local:"

1. Locally-grown, freshly-picked food tastes better. Studies have shown that the average distance food travels from farm to plate in the United States is 1,5000 miles, and may take a week or more to get to its destination, losing vitality and flavor as time passes.
2. Local produce tends to have more nutritional value. The longer the time from harvesting produce to eating it, the greater the trend for sugars to turn into starches, plant cells to shrink, and nutrients to be diminished.
3. Buying local spurs economic growth. Economists use the term "local multiplier" to indicate that if you spend a dollar locally, it circulates locally, positively impacting 3-7 different local businesses before it leaves the area. Obviously that same dollar spent at a national or multi-national chain has very little positive impact on the local economy.
4. Local food preserves diversity. In the modern industrial agricultural system, varieties are chosen primarily for qualities that create long shelf life in a store. Local farms selling directly to you tend to grow and raise many more varieties of vegetables, fruits, and animals - with the result that they are able to extend the growing season, satisfy many different customers, and bring back flavors and a heritage threatened with being lost forever.
5. You know the farmer and can find out easily how the food was raised. Local growers provide what you want your families to eat. You can find out about their farming practices, for example, if you are looking for natural/organic growing methods or humane treatment of animals.
6. Local food supports local farm families. Local farmers (who typically get only about ten cents of every dollar spend on food) selling irectly to consumers cut out the middleman and get full retail price for their food - which means farm families can afford to stay on the farm, producing food for our future.
7. Local food builds community. Knowing the farms and the land they're on gives you insight into the seasons, the weather, and the miracle of raising food. Often, local buying gives you access to a farm where you and your children and grand children can share the experience of learning about nature.
8. Local food preserves open space. The many benefits of open space provided by farms will last as long s farmers can afford to stay on the lan. When you buy local food, you are doing something proactive to preserve the agricultural landscape.
9. Local food keeps your taxes in check. Farms contribute more in taxes than they require in services, whereas suburban development costs more than it generates in taxes, according to several Michigan and national studies.
10. Local food tends to be free of genetically engineered seed. Surveys show time and time again that many American consumers do not trust genetically modified foods. Family farmers generally agree, and when direct-marketing, have an incentive to avoid seed.