I prepared this sample lesson on local food for the COC Associate Program in Fall 2011.

1. Local Food
Erin Delaney
November 19, 2011

2. California’s Agriculture
 Over 400 commodities
 More than half of US-grown fruits, nuts,
and vegetables
 Lead the nation in lettuce, carrots, milk,
lemons, and avocado

3. Objective
 You will be able to restate
one benefit and one
drawback of eating local
food.

4. Defining Terms
 Measure local food by distance
 Less than 400 miles from origin
 Within the same state
 Measure local food by marketing
arrangements
 Locavore: One who tries to eat only local
food

5. Environmental Benefits
 Fewer greenhouse
gas emissions
 Preserve farmland

6. Economic Benefits
 Keep money in the local
economy
 Less money to middlemen
 Import substitution

7. Nutritional Benefits
 Retains more nutrients
 Food safety
 Increased awareness of healthy items

8. Drawbacks
 Seasonal Availability
 Loss of standard products
 Harder to find

9. Where can I buy local
food?
 Farmer’s Markets
 Farm Stands
 Community Supported
Agriculture (CSA)
 Whole Foods
 Major retailers that
specifically market local food

10. Check for
Understanding
 Name one benefit and one drawback of
eating local food.

11. Closure
 Video from Forneris Farms
 Handout: California Produce