The first edition of Local Food Guide for Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Northern Los Angeles Counties will soon be available throughout Southern California. This guide gives food lovers information on where and how to buy fresh local fruits, vegetables, seafood, meat, and dairy products directly from area farmers or how to find markets, restaurants, and other venues that offer locally grown products.
Covering all of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties and northern Los Angeles, most of the information included in the guide is promoted by Ag Futures Alliance (AFA) and Environmental Defense Center, which both joined forces with the Davis-based Community Alliance with Family Farmers. The guide additionally provides information and resources on topics from community supported agriculture to farm-to-school programs and edible landscapes.
“Local food is making headlines. With growing concerns about food safety, childhood obesity, and global climate change, eaters are becoming increasingly aware of the impact their food choices have on the health of their families, the environment, and the local economy,” explained Karen Schmidt of the Ventura County AFA and one of the creators of the guide.
This project was funded by the Columbia Foundation, sponsorships, advertising, and support from more than 40 community groups and businesses, and will be available free of charge online at buylocalca.org, or printed copies at the following locations: the Environmental Defense Center, Fund for Santa Barbara, Isla Vista Food Co-op, The Orfalea Foundation, Fairview Gardens, Santa Barbara County Farm Bureau, Sojourner Restaurant, and Lassen’s Natural Foods.