The Local Foods movement has so much going for it, I don’t know where to begin. But there are several reasons everyone should support it, either by growing or consuming as part of the program.

It’s attainable.

One of the movement’s chief instigators, Sarah Riley, said she believes we have everything we need to do this. She’s so very right.

We have a knowledgable workforce who have been growing foods from meats to beets for generations and now we have a crop of young folks, as evidenced by the people who attended the potluck last week, who are ready and willing, if not eager, to learn more about growing food.

Thanks to Doug Bernier and others, we already have an operating Farmer’s Market that’s about to get a boost from grant money that will build a permanent shelter with electricity and water. What a great thing for Marlinton in the summer.

We also have a good many consumers in the schools, healthcare establishments, restaurants and individuals who want to serve fresh, local foods. Some of those consumers may want to learn more about growing and preserving fresh foods, as well. Other consumers will travel here to purchase what we can grow.  Added-value products that can be processed here would be great for resale and to attract visitors to buy our products. Plant an Extra Row for the Hungry, headed by Sue Groves, is a great way to get fresh, healthy foods to people who can’t afford to buy them.


It’s sustainable.

The Local Foods movement can be maintained for years to come. Pocahontas County has always had a wealth of agricultural assets. Pooling ideas and resources is a recipe for success with the limitless potential for growth that can be handed down to future generations.

We can make this happen. It will be hard work. It will take time. It will take cooperation and it will mean that we must focus on goals instead of obstacles.

But I have faith that we can do those things. Local Foods is the best, most inclusive idea to come along for Pocahontas County in a long, long time.