Eat Local, Tour Local Farms

Howdy ya'll! I thought I would take a minute to reiterate a point that has been brought up quietly for years now. It is time to shout it from the rooftops, "Stop giving money to giant corporations (in this case food companies)who guzzle gas and energy during harvesting, production, processing, and distributing of food and goods! Shop locally already!"!!!!
According to all the newspapers, and television personalities, and stock market reports, we are in for hard times ahead of us so no time like the present to support the community in which you reside.
Don't run to the 7-eleven or CVS, or Target or Walmart for a quick snack or lunch. Head over to that locally owned deli or mini mart, like Austin's own Royal Blue Grocery, up the street instead. Have a conversation with the person behind the counter. Introduce yourself, you might meet the owner or another neighbor from your community.
Don't hit the drive-thru Starbucks for an unhealthy, coffee drink delivered by computer operated espresso machine and pushy retailer who must upsell 70% of all transactions during their work day. Be honest, are you really in that much of a hurry? If you live in Austin, TX, you should head over to Little City or Rio Ritas, or Hideout Coffee House and Theatre, OR Progress Coffee. All locally owned and operated, and intending to help support the community in which they are located. Make sure you stop in to Progress Coffee on November 20th. It is their 4 year anniversary, and they are offering everything for free to say thanks to their patrons and to give back to the people in need. 100% of the day's proceeds will be donated to the Capital Area Food Bank and to Bread of the World. Wow. Talk about Progress.
Instead of shuffling into the same old warehouse of a grocery store, complete with fluorescent lighting, strategically placed food stuffs, and robotic cashiers, shop fresh in the great out of doors. Find the Farmer's Market happening in your area. They usually occur Saturday mornings, but Austin has a few markets open on Wednesday as well. They are growing in popularity and demand. You are able to buy everything the Food Pyramid claims you must consume for optimal health. Even better, you are eating seasonally as well, which means during the summer you eat watery, light, colorful and hydrating foods and hearty, warming, heavier stuff in the winter. By buying strait from farmers, you are supporting a healthy earth, healthy community, and healthy mind and body. Good for you!

On the note of local farms, a local bike shop, Bicycle Sport Shop is organizing a Local Farms Bicycle Tour in conjunction with Edible Austin and Urban Roots. Click on the links to find out the details and get registered!

Now go outside, it's a BEAUTIFUL DAY, and ride your bike. Burn some calories instead of gasoline and have a wonderful week!

Love,
Maureen