Friday, September 12, 2008
Lawrence’s Community Mercantile, or The Merc, is challenging citizens of Lawrence to consume at least 80 percent of their diet from local sources.
Starting Sept. 14, The Merc, at 9th and Iowa streets, will hang a large poster for participants to record and monitor their progress eating only foods produced within a 200-mile radius of Lawrence.
Elizabeth Kellison, Lawrence mom and freshman, said she only shopped at The Merc and said she thought the challenge was a good idea.
“I don’t think people know how much great food is made right around us,” Kellison said.
A “Miles to the Merc” sticker will indicate how far away the product was made. According to Community Mercantile general manager, Jeanie Wells, locally produced food is healthier than mass-produced food.
“It’s a little more pricey but it’s worth it,” Kellison said. “I would rather buy food I know has no hormones in it.”
Wells said that the food also tastes better because it hadn’t been shipped cross-country in a freezer.
“The fresher the food, the better it tastes,” she said.
Local producers, such as Pendleton’s Country Market, Wakarusa Valley Farm and New Grass Bison Co. offer products ranging from vegetables, fruit, flowers and meat to beauty products.
Courtney Skeeba, co-owner of Homestead Ranch in Lecompton, provides The Merc with homemade hand creams and soaps made out of goat milk. She said goat milk products were better for people’s skin than chemically enhanced ones.
“Goat milk is as close to human milk as possible, so the soaps and hand creams naturally blend well with your skin,” Skeeba said.
Wells said that local food is also safer and free of pesticides and chemicals.
“Issues of food safety have been arising more frequently nowadays, and people are getting scared of eating mass-produced or foreign-produced fruits and vegetables,” Wells said, “All of the 500 to 850 items we offer every day are produced within 200 miles, so our customers don’t have to worry.”
According to the Worldwatch Institute, food transportation is one of the biggest sources of greenhouse gases. A diet based on imported foods can require up to four times the energy and produce much more pollution than a diet based on locally produced food.
Though the higher price tag on local foods might deter many from buying locally, David Smith, Community Mercantile marketing director, said he didn’t think the cost difference should matter.
“You have to make a choice. You have to decide to buy what’s good for you or what’s cheap.” Smith said.
But Kelsey Lynch, Overland Park senior, said price and location were deciding factors for her and she usually shopped for food at Target or Dillons.
“I mean, I have bills to pay,” Lynch said.
For those who do have the extra cash to spend on local foods, Wells said The Merc’s location at 9th and Iowa streets made it easier for people from all areas of Lawrence to come. She said she hoped this challenge would increase awareness about the benefits of eating locally and provide a healthier alternative for college students.
— — Edited by Arthur Hur
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