When "Local" Isn't Local

I want to give apt credit to the food co-operative that's just down the street from our house. It has been consistently putting the issue of local eating in its monthly newsletter. And the staff has, for the most part, been patient with all of my questions about where specific items originate. And it labels products from within the 6 surrounding counties with a sticker that says "Local 6." However, I've found that I can't just take that sticker at face-value. Let me explain...

I've seen the sticker on hazelnuts (definitely Oregon), and turnips (also very likely local), and trail mix (possibly local, but keep reading). When I look at the content of the mix, I see that it's made up of peanuts and other mixed nuts, raisins, coconut, and some other stuff. I haven't seen many coconut groves here in the state of liquid sunshine. There are a few palm-looking trees, scraggly things plunked down in the middle of some residential yards, undoubtedly planted by some SoCal transplant nostalgic for the landscape of Orange County. But I don't think those are producing any fruit. And what about the raisins? And the peanuts?

Bravo to First Alt Co-op for supporting Oregon businesses, even if the products are from far-flung places. I point it out here just to be of assistance to others who might be considering an all-local diet experiment. I suggest you become accustomed to asking lots of questions. I have. I'm the annoying woman with the squacking child who is clogging the line at the customer service kiosk. Say hello next time you see us.

For those of you who are waiting to read about the local food cooking extravaganza that we participated in last weekend with our friends Rachel and Tony (and little Helen), you'll have to keep waiting. I'll write about it when I figure out how to upload the photos and I haven't had time to do that. Sickness has befallen our house and my time in front of the computer has been limited to 10 or 15 minute intervals.