Willits News reporter Mike A'Dair is following the Willits Locavores.  Here's his first story.

By Mike A'Dair/TWN Staff Writer
The Willits News

Article Launched:10/04/2006 11:00:00 PM PDT  

Jason and Kristin Bradford are leading a group of 13 food activists in a campaign to eat only locally grown food through the month of October.

Bradford says he has undertaken the project to help America transition away from heavy fossil fuel use in its food economy.

"Our food system is heavily dependent on fossil fuels," Bradford said in a recent interview. "About 10 fossil fuel calories are used to deliver one food calorie to our plates. Given our need to make an energy transition away from fossil fuels, we need to recreate our food systems so that they are local and sustainable.

"So we, in a sense, are pioneers in understanding what we can do locally now, and also, what is missing, what are the gaps in our local food system. These gaps are future vocational opportunities for people jobs in our community."

How are things going two days into the month-long venture? "I'm already hungry," Kristin says. "It's true."

Jason said so far he and his wife "are sort of playing catch-up. We were very busy over the past week and we didn't have an opportunity to fully assess where we are and where we need to go" to make the transition to an all-"locovore" food budget a smooth one.

Jason noted his group has adopted three definitions of "locally grown" for the local food project. The first is food grown in Willits. The second is food produced or grown in Mendocino County. The third is food grown or produced within 100 miles of Willits.

All three definitions are acceptable for the group's purposes, he said.

Jason said the biggest hole in the food picture is grains. "There are no local grain sources."

"We have lots of fresh vegetables, but are falling short on our protein and calorie foods," Kristin added.

People in the community who have locally grown food products and wish to donate, trade, barter or sell them to the Bradfords or members of their group may call Jason at 456-0760.