We're baaack

Hello all,

Hope you're enjoying the arrival of spring. I've been collecting links for you, so here goes:

It's a little late, but here are seed-starting tips from Mother Earth News.

The Atlantic Food Channel continues to be a great source of information about sustainability issues. There is an article about bringing farmers' markets to communities that are underserved by supermarkets, using SNAP benefits (formerly food stamps) to incentivize the purchase of local foods.
Even if you've chosen to eat locally, there are some things you still much purchase from far away (coffee, anyone?) Now, grain doesn't have to be one of those things. Wheatberry bakery in Amherst, who runs the first local grain CSA in the region, is at the forefront of an emerging trend. EDIT: I just noticed for the first time that Mass Local Food Co-op has a local grain & flour vendor, Four Star Farms.
Finally, from the Atlantic, there is discouraging news on the GMO front. It appears that the Obama administration will continue to block attempts to force GMO labeling. The industry's vice-grip on food policy is all the more reason to support non-corporate food producers.

I've added a couple great resources for finding local food. In the Links section is Local Harvest, where you can find farmers' markets and CSA's and Eat Well Guide, which has an advanced, customizable search of local businesses for local ingredients. These are great sites to play around on.

In local food news, Sweetwilliam Farm is open for the season, Thursday -Sunday 11-5. And the Upton Town Library is having Garden Day on May 15th, where they will hold a plant swap. Call 529-6272 for more information. And Mass Local Food is open for ordering. I would love to hear any news you guys have about upcoming events, or experiences you've had will local vendors.

And, as always, there's plenty more to read in the links in the sidebar. Marion Nestle has been writing quite a bit about food labeling and the new USDA dietary guidelines. Mark Ambinder of the Atlantic has been writing thoughtfully about his battle against obesity.

What's new with you?