CHENANGO COUNTY – When it comes to food, Chenango County has more to offer than people may think, local economic and agriculture specialists say.

To prove it, two area organizations are challenging the public to explore Chenango’s bounty in the “Eat Local Challenge.” With a list of products – including where they can be found and how they can be used – the challenge, sponsored by Opportunities for Chenango, Inc. and Cornell Cooperative Extension, will demonstrate how purchasing local products benefits the economy and people’s health, organizers say, as well as show them how easy Chenango County food items are to find.

“I think it will be a lot of fun,” said Stacie Edick, project specialist from OFC. “It’s almost like a scavenger hunt, and people will get to know what’s available in our county. They might be surprised how much is here.”

Participants are asked to commit anywhere between 50 and 100 percent of their diet to locally made products. “Local” has been defined as anywhere within 100 miles of one’s residence. There is also a challenge guide and “passport” available that will help participants find their local food sources and keep track of their daily progress. By collecting passport stickers from participating businesses, they could win a “Basket of Local Bounty” worth $75.

Edick believes with a little creativity, that there’s enough homegrown and homemade food to satisfy most appetites.