September: Locavore Month

September has been pronounced "Locavore Month" in Rochester, NY. Here are several ways to celebrate:

The Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York (NOFA-NY) has established a NY Locavore Challenge.

The Challenge:
The New York State Locavore Challenge is a personal challenge and commitment for individuals to eat only locally and sustainably produced food during the month of September. There are three challenge options available for participants: 1 Day, 1 Week or 1 Month. Participants register to complete the challenge and pay a nominal fee to participate.

The Time Frame:
Participants who choose the Day or Week challenges may select a specific day or week during the month of September that they would like to complete the challenge. The Month challenge runs from September 1st to 30th and all challenges must be completed by September 30th.

The Distance:
All foods consumed during the day, week or month, must be produced locally within 250 miles. However, challengers are encouraged to strive for the more challenging 100 mile radius.

To find out additional information about the challenge and gain some great insight into local eating in the Rochester region, check out the NY Locavore Challenge blog.

Abundance 2010 Passport Game

Get your free Farmer’s Market Passport card beginning September 1st at Abundance Cooperative Market, or any of the 10 participating farmers markets and start shopping. Get a passport stamp every time you shop at any 2 or more markets during the month of September. Fill card with 8 stamps by September 30th, and bring to Abundance to redeem for a FREE local gift by October 7th, and automatic entry for chance to win $100 of groceries. Winner will be announced October 8th!

Download a flyer here.

Foodlink Presents Savor Rochester: A Festival of Food, Monday, September 20, 5 - 8 PM, at the Rochester Public Market.

Support Foodlink at Savor Rochester: a Festival of Food on Monday, September 20, 2010, from 5 to 8pm at the Rochester Public Market. Join us for a celebration of local flavor! The Festival of Food is the largest local food and wine tasting, featuring over 100 restaurants, wineries, breweries, bakeries and farms sampling the best food and drink in the region. This is your chance to sample from a restaurant you wanted to try, or to find a new great wine. Wine will also be available for purchase.

Additional information available here.

The Center for Sustainable Living Presents Locavest on Sunday, September 26, 1 - 5 PM at the Genesee Valley Park, Round House Pavillion.

Join the festivities at Genesee Valley Park as we EAT and LEARN how to grow, preserve, dry, store and cook delicious food from Rochester. Skills for seasonal gardening without pesticides, composting, solar drying of fruits, building a root cellar, canning and freezing with minimal energy, recipes and best of all, TASTING! Community Supported Agriculture participants, Farmers Market representatives and Grassfed Meat Producers will offer more local food options.

Additional information available here.