Atlas guides readers to food

Anyone who shops the Dane County Farmers’ Market knows that locally grown food is healthy eating at its best. But did you know that there are many other opportunities to buy fresh, tasty produce, meat, cheese, and other locally grown food directly from farmers and businesses?

The “Farm Fresh Atlas” is your guide. The atlas includes descriptions and locations of 50 farms and food-related businesses that sell their products directly to customers in southern Wisconsin. In addition, the atlas lists farmers’ markets, restaurants, food co-ops, and other business sponsors that feature locally grown food.

All of the farms and businesses listed in the atlas pledge to protect land and water resources, treat animals with care and respect, and provide safe working conditions for their employees.

Rural sociology professor Jack Kloppenburg says that buying food locally is good for family farms and communities. “When you buy food directly from a family farm, the farmer pockets a bigger profit. And the money you spend on that food stays in our communities. I strongly urge people to use the Atlas not only to buy food, but to learn more about how food is grown and how their purchasing decisions can make a positive difference for family farms.”

The atlas will be available Saturdays at the Dane County Farmers’ Market while supplies last, says market coordinator Judy Hageman. To get a copy, go to the information booth on the Capitol Square at the top of State Street.

The Farm Fresh Atlas is a collaborative project of REAP Food Group, the Dane County Farmers’ Market, and the UW–Madison Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems. For more information, contact Chris Rietz, (608) 242-1841, crietz@execpc.com.