How to Turn $6.50 a Week into $300 Million in One Year: The Local Food Resolution

I love the start of a new year--a clean slate filled with potential and promise. Every New Year's Day, I write down my goals for the coming twelve months. I know that I'm not alone in spending some time on the first of the year to think about what I hope the future will bring and the actions that I will take to help make those dreams and ambitions a reality.

Not surprising to anyone, according to the local newscasters, nearly 50% of our resolutions involve weight loss or healthier eating. Most people now tend to shy away from the less fashionable word "DIET" in favor of discussing how they're going to make lifestyle changes. The former implying a temporary state and the later a more, hopefully, permanent commitment. (I know, you're thinking--OK, Vic, enough philosophical musings, what about the $300 million? I'm getting to that...)

If you've decided to make 2008 your year of healthier eating, your efforts can help our local rural economies get a bit healthier as well. How? Commit to spending $6.50 a week on local Indiana food. If one out of every two families in Indiana would make this commitment right now and follow through with it for one year, not only would they have tastier and healthier foods on their tables, but collectively their spending would add up to an astounding $300+ million in revenues for our Indiana producers. So, while you get trimmer eating foods that are good and good for you, our local rural economy will be bulking up.

How do you start? Visit a farm market or winter market and stock up on meats, eggs, and poultry. Sign up now for a CSA membership (remember this commitment to healthier eating is for a lifetime so reserve your bounty of Indiana produce for the coming warmer months). Check out the great local cheeses and dairy products whose flavors are so luscious that a little will go a long way in adding spark to your meals. Shop local grocery stores or co-ops for your dry and canned goods such as Indiana flours, corn meals, and canned meats. Look for local producers of condiments like salsas, BBQ sauces, honey, maple syrups, and hot sauces.

While most say that our resolutions are broken well before the start of February, this is one resolution that I think we can all keep. To get the ball rolling, send this post to everyone you know and encourage them to join us in this effort. 

I hope that 2008 brings you much happiness, good health, prosperity and lots and lots of great Indiana food!