CHENANGO COUNTY – Would you like to participate in a community challenge that will help you discover and eat fresh local foods, support your own community’s economy and meet your neighbors? Now you can.

Opportunities for Chenango, Inc.’s “Bullthistle Products: Access to Markets” program and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chenango County Agri Tourism Program have teamed up with The Evening Sun and local businesses and restaurants to create the Chenango County Eat Local Challenge. The challenge will take place from September 10-16, joining other “Eat Local” challenges from across the nation during the month of September. During this week, Chenango County residents are encouraged to eat as much local food as possible, learning about the abundance of foods available during this season.

Residents can participate in the Challenge by registering with Stacie Edick at OFC, Inc. or Sophie Belanger at CCE Chenango; each participant will receive the “Eat Local Challenge Guide and Passport” booklet. Included in the booklet are: a one-week calendar to record the food you eat and it’s origin; tips on eating local; a checklist of resources available within the county and region; restaurants offering meals prepared from local products during the challenge week; a reading list; a list of Farmer’s Markets and Community Supported Agriculture farms; cooking tips and recipes; and other helpful information.