--Erin Russell, Chinook Book Sales Coordinator

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because it's all about the gathering of great people and amazing food.  This year I have pledged with the Cascade Harvest Coalition's Eat Local for Thanksgiving campaign and need to take a look at my options for having an unforgettable meal!

Ballard Farmers Market: I love buying produce at the Ballard Farmers Market because it feels like an adventure to see who has what local produce and products.  I plan on purchasing some local cheese at the Ballard Farmerís Market to use as an appetizer on Thanksgiving. Search ecometro.com to find the closest farmers market to you. More...

Have you ever thought about what sort of food grows around your neighborhood? The bounty of edibles found right around the corner, from apples and nuts to rosemary and greens, is astounding. The urban landscape is filled with fresh, free food if you just know what to look for. Plants you might normally ignore, like dandelions or nettles, can be cooked into healthy, delicious meals.

Many people first experienced wild foods in their childhood—learning to mushroom hunt with their grandfather or picking apples from a neighbor’s tree. Looking for wild fruits, veggies, and nuts is a fun family activity that helps teach kids the value of local, fresh food. In addition to having kids help you forage for your own kitchen, you can volunteer to help harvest urban edibles for those in need (see resources below). More...