06/04/2007

New guide to local foods

TRAVERSE CITY — Residents and visitors looking for the season's asparagus, rhubarb and spring greens can find them now in the new "Taste the Local Difference” guide to farms and fishing crews found in 10 counties from Manistee to Mackinac.

The guide, now in its fourth year, lists 232 farms — up from 140 in its first year, 20 wineries, 18 farmers markets and 17 artisan specialty food producers that feature local farm ingredients in everything from jams to salsas to chocolates.

The guide is offered in print, online and at restaurants, stores, libraries, tourist visitor centers, farmers markets and other spots. It is designed to help everyone from families to chefs find the freshest fruits, vegetables, meats, milk, eggs and specialty products that northwest Michigan family farmers offer. Online users of the guide also can find restaurants, grocery stores, caterers and other "foodie” opportunities (such as cooking classes) that feature local farm foods.

Taste the Local Difference is a community effort sponsored by 76 local farms, businesses and organizations, with initial funding from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. It is a project of the Michigan Land Use Institute, a nonprofit organization with offices in Beulah, Traverse City, Petoskey and Grand Rapids.

For more information, visit www.LocalDifference.org.