Sims pledges to ‘Eat Local for Thanksgiving,’ encourages food purchases from area farms

Whether it’s carrots, cranberries or a fresh turkey, if you include locally grown food in your Thanksgiving feast, you not only will enjoy the freshest, tastiest food around, but you’ll also help to preserve the region’s farmland and the environment – one forkful at a time.

King County Executive Ron Sims today signed the pledge to “Eat Local for Thanksgiving,” and encouraged other residents to do so as well. Sims noted the food on an average Thanksgiving table travels more than 1,500 miles from the farm to the table.

“My family’s Thanksgiving shopping list includes local fresh turkey and a ham, cheese, milk, eggs and whatever local vegetables are available from our neighborhood farmers market,” said Sims. “Food that is fresh from local farms just tastes better, it’s affordable, and I’m happy that my money stays in our community to support local farmers, and reduces the greenhouse gas emissions of a long truck drive from another part of the country.”

Last year, more than 2,500 people took the pledge during the inaugural “Eat Local for Thanksgiving” campaign and enjoyed locally grown fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat, seafood and other local foods as part of their traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

Many local farmers can offer better quality and less expensive fruits and vegetables because their products don't have to be transported long distances, and farmers can sell directly to their customers. Additionally, most local farmers don’t use expensive fertilizers or pesticides, which would add more costs to their products.

Sims was at the Pike Place Market today to sign the pledge with King County Agriculture Commission Chair Nancy Hutto, and farmers Andrew Stout from Full Circle Farm, Fong Cha from Children’s Garden Farm and Lottie Cross from Clean Greens Farm and Market. The farmers provided fresh-picked squash, greens, potatoes and carrots for a cooking demonstration by Eric Tanaka of Tom Douglas Restaurants.

Sims said he hopes the number of pledges to Eat Local for Thanksgiving grows this year and in every year to come.

“Every pledge to Eat Local for Thanksgiving is another pledge for a more robust rural economy and a cleaner environment,” he said.

Farming remains a vital presence in King County, which has more than 42,000 acres of designated agricultural lands. Including Pike Place Market, there are 33 farmers markets throughout King County that generate $12 to $15 million a year in retail sales.

Following the pledge signing and cooking demonstration, Sims led the group over to the Pike Place Senior Center, where they delivered fresh produce for seniors’ meals.

Even though fall is well under way, Puget Sound and Washington state farmers are bringing an abundance of fresh food to market, from winter squashes and potatoes to cheese, eggs, shellfish and of course, fresh turkeys.

“As a local producer, I appreciate the efforts that King County has put toward making local farm products a priority throughout the year, and especially during the holidays,” Stout said. “And as a consumer, I’m delighted to see how this region’s bounty of fresh food can create a delicious and healthy meal.” 

“Eating local is an easy way to put fresh, healthy produce on your Thanksgiving table, as well as support our local farmers," said Gov. Chris Gregoire, who has signed the pledge. "It also means we’re reducing greenhouse gas emissions by minimizing the distance to transport produce, thereby lowering fuel consumption. Good health, a strong economy and a sound environment are good for all Washingtonians.”

The Eat Local For Thanksgiving 2008 campaign is supported by the Cascade Harvest Coalition / Puget Sound Fresh, King County, PCC Natural Markets, Pierce County, Pierce Conservation District, Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance, Warm 106.9 FM, KWJZ 96.9 FM Smooth Jazz, Organic Valley Family of Farms, Pike Place Market and Clear Channel. Other Participants include Seattle Tilth, Acting Food Policy Council Seattle-King County, Snohomish County, Kitsap County, Seattle Farmers Market Association, Port Angeles Farmers Market and local farmers.

For more information about local farmers markets, harvest schedules, and to take the pledge to eat local, visit www.pugetsoundfresh.org. Pledge cards are also available at local farmers markets and area grocery stores.

Related Information

Puget Sound Fresh

Agriculture in King County

King County Water and Land Resources Division