The District's residents are learning to love their fruits and veggies, thanks to the local food movement that's gaining pace.
Think Local First -- a nonprofit that works with independent businesses and orgs -- highlights the effort with an array of events as part of its first annual Eat Local First Week. Participating restaurants such as Yola, Teasim, and Busboys & Poets will offer food and drink specials from July 9 to 16.
The program’s goal is two-fold, said Trisha Clauson, executive director of Think Local First D.C. -- to spread awareness of the importance of eating locally, and to help restaurants find local ingredients.
A vegan food demonstration on July 14 features Jimmy Cooney of JavaGreen and Café Green, who will teach delish recipes using ingredients from FRESHFARM Market.
On July 15, as part of the Back Road Foraging Tour, guests can follow urban forager Steve Brill through the forested streets in hunt for wineberries, dandelions, walnuts and other wild foods that grow in the city.
The major happening is the Farm-to-Street Block Party (V Street between 13th and 14th) on Saturday, July 16, where you can enjoy dishes made with ingredients from local farms, beer and wine, a pie-eating competition, live music and crafts. D.C.-based chefs and entrepreneurs will have booths set up for those who want to learn more about the movement. Tickets are $15.
Local foods should be easily accessible to everyone across the city, Clauson said. “People associate local food with farmers markets, which is great, but we want to see it expanded citywide."
She said in order for the initiative to advance, more farms are needed, and they have to combine their efforts with a centralized distribution system that is easy for restaurants to buy from.
For the full list of events and costs, click here.
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