Eat Local Challenge 2008
Those who take the pledge are affirming that local food means better taste and more nutritional value,
a stronger local economy, fewer food miles and other ecological costs of long-distance food transportation.

By eating local, we also learn about our own “food shed” and the way that working farms connect us to our land and preserve our home's rural character.

Please see our Thrive Schedule of Events for complete information on times and locations.
You can also download the event schedule here.
Getting Started:
How much are you willing to commit to eating local?
It’s up to you. Participants can challenge themselves to meet all or some of these opportunities:

• I will eat one home-cooked meal prepared using mainly local ingredients.
• I will incorporate one never-before-tried local ingredient in my diet.
• I will brown bag one lunch that is local, organic and fresh.
• I will talk to one food producer or vendor about my food.
• I will visit one farmer’s market to either talk to a vendor or purchase food.
• I will host an “eat local” potluck for my friends, family and neighbors.
• I will participate in one Eat Local Challenge event.
• I will order the Rogue Flavor special at participating restaurants.

 THRIVE’s Eat Local Challenge is completely voluntary.
You set your own rules. What does local mean to you?
The Rogue Valley? 100 miles? The Pacific Northwest?

You may decide that you will strive to meet all of the objectives on a daily basis, or select a few objectives you would like to meet during the week.
 
If possible, keep track of the dollar amount you spend supporting your local economy during the week.
 
Take the Eat Local Challenge!
Take the challenge and be entered to win a Rogue Flavor gift basket.
You will also be signed up to receive monthly announcements of Thrive events.  
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If you would like to share your experience eating locally, check out the forum on the
Medford Mail Tribune's Eat Local Week page: www.mailtribune.com/eatlocal

If you’d like to learn more about campaigns across the US, check out these links:
The 100-Mile Diet  •   Eat Local Challenge Blog  •   Localvores

Tips for the challenge:
Hit the farmers' market before the supermarket. Plan your meal around local ingredients
you find at the market.

Branch out. Maybe your usual food repertoire could use some fresh ideas. The farmers' market provides a perfect chance to try a new ingredient when it's in season, and lets you talk to its grower to find out the best way to prepare your new food. Flirt with your food producer!

Feed the freezer. Can't cook every night? Worried about your fresh produce going bad? It's easy. Make lasagna with local tomatoes or a soup packed with fresh veggies and freeze it! You can also make personal size meals for a brown bag lunch.

Go Out!
Many Rogue Valley restaurants emphasize local foods in their dishes.
Here’s a list of those participating in the Eat Local Challenge:
Restaurant Website Dates
38 on Central
 		 38 N. Central, Suite 110 Medford
http://www.38oncentral.com/		 Lunch:
Monday - Friday 11am - 2pm
Dinner:
Monday - Saturday 5pm - 10pm
Beacon Bar & Grill 2030 NW Vine, Grants Pass Local Vegetarian Specials 9/13: 11:30am – 9pm
Bella Union Restaurant and Saloon 170 W. California Street, Jacksonville
www.bellau.com		 Daily:
11:30am –10pm
Blondie's Bistro 226 SW “G” Street Grants Pass
www.blondiesbistro.com		 Tuesday and Thursday only:
7am- 10pm
Brother's Restaurant 95 N Main St. Ashland
www.brothersrestaurant.net		 Monday – Friday:
7am - 2pm 
Downtowne Coffeehouse 200 Talent Ave., Talent
541-535-2299		 Daily:
6am – 4pm
Elements Tapas Bar & Lounge 101 E. Main Street, Medford
541-779-0135
www.elementsmedford.com		 Tues - Fri:
4pm – Late
Ethereal Café 208 SW 6th Street, Grants Pass
www.etherealcafe.com		 Tues – Sat:
8am – 4pm
First Street Café 116 W 1st St.,  Phoenix
www.firststreetcafe.biz/index.html		 Tues - Fri: 8am - 3pm
Saturday: 9am - 2pm
Ashland Grilla Bites 47 N Main St., Ashland
www.grillabites.com		 Mon - Wed:
11am –  8pm
Medford Grilla Bites 226 E Main St., Medford
www.grillabites.com		 Mon - Sat: 7:30am - 8:30pm
Sun: 7:30 - 4pm  
GoodBean Coffee Company 165 S. Oregon Street, Jacksonville
www.goodbean.com		 Tues - Sat:
5pm - close
Greenleaf Restaurant 49 N Main St., Ashland
www.greenleafrestaurant.com		 Daily:
8am - 9pm
The Jumping Bean Café 1595 NE 6th Street, Grants Pass
541-474-1380		 Mon - Fri:
6am – 3pm
Larks Home Kitchen Cuisine 212 E Main St., Ashland
www.ashlandspringshotel.com/dining.php		 Mon - Fri: 11:30am - 2pm
Sat & Sun: 10am - 2pm
Every Night: 5 - 9pm
McCully House Garden Bistro 241 E. California Street, Jacksonville
mccullyhouse.mighty.net		 Tues – Sat:
5pm - close
Morning Glory 1149 Siskiyou Blvd, Ashland
www.morninggloryrestaurant.com		 Daily:
8am - 2pm
Out of the Way Café 231 Blodgett Road, Williams Wed-Fri: 11am-9pm
Sat: 11am-12pm
Sunday: 4-9pm
Pangea 272 E Main St., Ashland
www.pangeaashland.com		 Tues – Thurs:
11am-9pm
Pilaf Restaurant 18 Calle Guanajuato, Ashland
www.pilafrestaurant.com		 Tues - Sat: 11am - 8pm
Sun: 11am - 4pm
Porters - Dining at the Depot 147 N. Front Street, Medford
www.porterstrainstation.com		 Daily:
4pm - close
Standing Stone Brewery 101 Oak St., Ashland
www.standingstonebrewing.com		 Open daily:
11:30am - Midnight
Summer Jo’s Farm, Garden
and Restaurant		 2315 Upper River Road Loop,
Grants Pass
www.summerjo.com		 Wed - Sun:
9:30am - 2pm
Talent Cafe Corner of Main and Talent Ave.  in Talent
535-6310		 Mon - Fri:
7:30am - 2:30pm
Wild River Brewing Company

 		 595 NE "E" Street, Grants Pass
471-7487 or 474-4456 (pub only)
249 N Redwood Hwy, Cave Junction 592-3556
2684 N Pacific Hwy, Medford 773-7487
www.wildriverbrewing.com		 Daily:
11am-10:30pm
 
When in doubt, consider these guidelines:
If not LOCALLY PRODUCED, then Organic.
This is one of the most readily available alternatives in the market and making this choice protects the environment and your body from harsh chemicals and hormones.

If not ORGANIC, then Family farm.
When faced with Kraft or Tillamook cheeses, Tillamook, an Oregon dairy co-op, is the better choice. Supporting family farms helps to keep food processing decisions out of the hands of corporate conglomeration.

If not FAMILY FARM, then Local business.
Basics like coffee and bread make buying local difficult.
Try a locally owned coffee shop or bakery to keep your food dollar close to home.

If not a LOCAL BUSINESS, then Fair Trade.
Purchase imported foods from businesses that pay living wages and provide safe conditions for workers where the food is grown.
 

340 A Street  •   Suite 205  •   Ashland OR 97520  •   488-7272