Claim Your Food Independence, Choose Locally Grown!
Posted On: Jul 01, 09This July 4th, we’re asking our nation’s first families not only to lead by example but to eat by example by sourcing their holiday meals as locally, deliciously, and sustainably as possible.
Send a message to Governor Lingle and her counterparts to support our local farmers! The petition reads: “As residents of your states and by our signatures below, we pledge to join you in this celebration of edible independence by eating healthy and delicious foods from our own local farms, gardens and communities.”
Did you know that about 85 percent of Hawai’i's food comes from outside sources? As with energy, we are sending our hard-earned cash out of state and hoping that those supply lines don’t close.
Use your voice and buying power! As a consumer, you vote how supermarkets should stock their shelves every time you purchase a product. By choosing foods that are locally grown, you are casting a vote of support for local farmers, families, the economy, and the environment. Be a conscious consumer by choosing foods that support local systems.
Check your local farmer’s market to see what’s ripe in your neighborhood. Visit ShareYourTable.com or EdibleHawaiianIslands.com for a farm or market near you.
Once you’ve got your farm fresh ingredients, try recipes from ShareYourTable.com/recipes and The Hawai’i Farmer’s Market Cookbook.
Some Friendly Tips to Zero Waste your July 4th Celebrations:
Choose locally grown food
Choose food & supplies with less packaging
Fill containers with water rather than buying bottled water
Choose reusable dinnerware, cups, and linens
For large gatherings, choose biodegradable plates, cutlery, cups, & napkins
Compost raw food scraps and biodegradable ware
Remember to leave the area you celebrated cleaner than you found it!