What to Ask?

BUY LOCAL, KNOW YOUR FOOD

Local food is becoming trendy throughout the country, but what does local really mean? Where did the produce come from? How was it grown? The only way to find out is to ask!

To us, local food is more than a trend, and in order to maintain it’s value we have to ask questions. Here are a few simple tips for building trust and getting to know your food.

ASK A FARMER: What to Ask at a Farmers Market

1. HOW SHOULD I STORE THIS?

Farmers are masters of storage and preservation. It is literally their job to keep things fresh, so ask them for their tips and help cut down your food waste.

2. WHAT ARE YOUR GROWING PRACTICES?

One of the most valuable parts of sourcing locally is having a relationship with the person who actually grew your food. If certain practices or certifications matter to you, ask them. Learn how they are maintaining these practices, see if your values align with theirs.

ASK A WAITER OR CHEF: What to Ask at a Restaurant

1. CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT THE LOCAL PRODUCERS YOU USE?

Farm direct relationships are important to restaurants who are doing it well. We don’t need to get all Portlandia-like, but if they really know their farmers and actually purchase from them they should be able to share a lot more with you than just the name of the farm.

· Who is the farmer?

· Why do you source from that particular farm?

· How often do you buy from them?

· What are their growing practices?

2. HOW OFTEN DO YOU CHANGE YOUR MENU?

A seasonal menu doesn’t have to change daily, but the frequency with which a menu changes can help tell how committed the chef is to seasonality and local availability.

3. WHAT PORTION OF YOUR VEGETABLES ARE GROWN IN MICHIGAN?

Michigan is second only to California in its agricultural diversity. There are so many vegetables to choose from that can be locally sourced. So how well are they doing? If the number is low, ask them why. You can help educate and encourage chefs that aren’t fully embracing the amazing produce that Michigan has to offer.

ASK A RETAILER: What to Ask at a Store

1. WHAT DOES LOCAL MEAN TO YOU?

For almost every person “local” means something different. So if the signage says local but there isn’t a city or farm listed, ask what it means. Is it the Midwest? Is it within the State? Is it within 100 miles? The only way to know if you're using a common language is to ask.

2. DO YOU BUY LOCAL YEAR-ROUND? IF NOT, WHY?

Lots of people still think local food can only be found 4 months out of the year in Michigan. While availability certainly diminishes during the winter months, there are still a lot of products that stores could be selling. If we ask for more local products, retail stores will be creative and find ways to source more year round.