By Taylor Ferebee and Kim Jurczyk

What is considered locally grown food? Food from farms and/or stores that was obtained within a radius of 100 miles from the site. In 2007, the term “locavore” was established. It means a person who only eats locally grown foods from their nearby stores or farms. Fun Fact: Virginia only imports 15% of their produce but Hawaii imports 90% of their produce. Making us one of the most self- sustainable states in the country (due to our moderate climate).

Facts about Virginia farms Virginia has more than 47,000 farms The average farm size is 171 acres and has assets worth more than $1 million. About 90% of Virginia farms are owned and operated by individuals or families. About 25% of Virginia farms share the farm income with multiple households.

Helping locally grown foods The office of farmland preservation, established in 2001, to help the reversal of lost farmland and to help the production in Virginia of farmland grown goods. 5 goals To create programs to educate the public about the preservation of farmland Establish and support local purchases Help farmers with preservation efforts Help establish additional farmland policies and programs Bringing together aspiring and retiring farmers This has made it easier for farmers to continue their businesses making it that much easier to grow local.

What local farms grow Peanuts, Pork, Chicken, Beef, Eggs, Butter, Peanut Butter, Syrup (non-maple), Seafood, Oranges, Coffee Beans, Collards, Dry Beans, Kale, Mustard Greens, Mushrooms, Apples, Grapefruit, Lemons, Limes, Milk, Buttermilk, Cheese, Goat Cheese, Yogurt, Ice-cream, any nuts/seeds (hazelnuts, walnuts, chestnuts), Rice, Rye, Soybeans, Oats, Millets, Corn, Buckwheat, Barley, Pickles, Molasses, Honey, Flour, Pasta, and Dried Fruits.

Food Pyramid: What your diet should consist of

Food Pyramid explained According to the food pyramid, your diet should mainly consist of grains and wheat. Since these items grow all-year round and are the 7 th largest commodity of Virginia it is possible to live off of locally grown foods.

Ideas for the Locally Grown Luncheon Taste sells boxes specifically form locally grown farms such as cheese, bread, and peanuts. (Newport News), Fresh Market tells you exactly where they get their locally grown produce(in Williamsburg and Port Warwick), Food Herbs and More (in Yorktown), Yorktown Market Days. Heidi’s Homegrown and Organic (LocalHarvest.com) in Williamsburg. Go to LocalHarvest.com and click on the box left to the product/produce. It will direct you to recipes made with that specific product/produce. You can order food items then pick up the produce/product in between 2-3 days. All meat is acquired through local farms that do not use hormones or genetically modifying organisms. Be at the Toano Volunteer Fireman's Farmers Market, directly across from the Fire Station on Richmond Road in Toano, 10:00a.m. - Noon. Saturday, January 14 th.

Dish Ideas Mack and cheese Chicken parmesan And pasta dish with or without tomatoes sauce (lasagna, spaghetti, pasta salad) Home-made salsa and chips Peanut Butter and Jelly Peanut butter cookies Salad Any seafood dish Any dish involving chicken, beef, or pork

The End I pledge, on my honor, that I have neither pledged nor received help on this work. Signed Taylor Ferebee and Kim Jurczyk.