Long Distance Food

"The average U.S. meal travels 1,200 miles from farm to plate."

I am currently visiting my best friend and his wife in Pennsylvania. They are such fantastic hosts that they provided me with a few of my favorite foods ie: Honey O's cereal and with a few healthy organic options for me to try such as black bean and corn chowder.

Last night we went into downtown Carlisle where the farmer's market was being held. I had a great time walking around and admiring all of the fresh food that was available for purchase and reading about the growing practices of each farm. Some were certified organic others were practicing but haven't received their license (which is expensive). I didn't purchase anything due to the fact that I wasn't going to be doing any cooking for a few days. I did get to speak to a farmer from a local farm about their Community Sponsored Agriculture (CSA) program. I am incredibly jealous that the CSA is so readily available in this area. The owner allowed me to peek into a reusable canvas sack that was filled with goodies waiting to be picked up. There were bundles of kale and spinach, various squash, carrots, and other good stuff that I would have loved to take home with me. My friends picked up some information and I really hope they join.

After we left the market we went across the street to The Green Room which they had previously raved about. The motto of The Green Room is "Food shouldn't be bad for you and healthy food shouldn't taste bad". I like this motto! The creative minds behind The Green Room focus on bringing local, organic, grass fed, healthy dishes to the people of Carlisle. They also have an interesting concept to help keep portions in check, every dish is offered in a small or entree size. I loved that. I enjoyed a local, grass-fed pastured beef tenderloin. It came from a farm that is approximately 5 miles from where the restaurant is!

I'm happy that a small town like Carlisle is so open to embracing locally grown/raised food. Now I am set to find out what a big city like Baltimore has to offer!