The word Locavore was the Oxford word of the year in 2007, and according to Ben Zimmer, editor for American dictionaries at Oxford University Press, the word ‘locavore’ shows how food-lovers can enjoy what they eat while still appreciating the impact they have on the environment. Ben adds, "It’s significant in that it brings together eating and ecology in a new way.” Most people use the term when considering food purchases within a 100 mile radius from where they live. It's a smart idea which benefits local growers and ranchers as well as consumers, who end up with food that is fresher and usually tastes better.
Being a locavore in western South Dakota during the winter months can be a challenge when it comes to produce, unless you've 'put up' a good amount of fresh fruits and vegetables from the summer. Yes, this is ideal and it's true that I do have mint from my garden drying in our shed, and one butternut squash from Mitchell, but that's not going to get us too far.
But today, with the sun shining and sparkly snow melting, I am once again inspired to consider local eating and really, local living. Local living can mean a lot of things. I see it as eating, gardening, shopping, even vacationing (you know, staycation) in my own backyard. The Black Hills are amazingly rich with treasures and it's true, we have enjoyed many of them.
So I am moving to a local living focus yet still with the Black Hills Locavore as a strong base because I still believe, eating locally is a great start to true local living.
