Eating locally—it’s all the rage nowadays. It makes sense: it supports local farmers and the local economy. And the food is fresh and doesn’t have to be transported as far, thereby cutting back on fuel consumption.

Here in Reno/Sparks, there are plenty of opportunities to go local, and much of it’s organic. And, soon, it’s going to be even easier with the opening of the West Street Market downtown this summer/fall (see the EcoNet Tip of the Month for more information about the West Street Market); among other food vendors, it will feature farmers’ markets!

Resources for Eating Locally

• Great Basin Community Food Co-op

Nevada’s first incorporated food cooperative association, or community supported agriculture (CSA) program, is located at 271 Wonder Street (at the corner of Wells Avenue), Reno. It offers local seasonal produce, local grass-fed beef, organic produce and dairy products from California, and eggs from local hens. You can also find an eclectic supply of organic condiments, chips, chocolates, bulk foods, and other items. Membership is $15 a year or $150 for a lifetime. Check out www.greatbasinfood.coop.com for more information.

• Great Basin Food Basket CSA

This local, community supported agriculture (CSA) farm share is available spring through fall. You subscribe to a basket that is delivered each week to a location near you. Baskets are filled with what’s growing right now at our local farms, plus, sometimes, other special treats! The 2008 spring basket, which runs for eight weeks between early May and late June, is sold out! But a waiting list is available. Cost is $230. The summer basket runs for fifteen weeks from July through October at a cost of $480. The 2008 fall basket is available for eight weeks beginning the middle of October. This year’s fall basket will cost $300, or $37.50 a week, and include seasonal produce and pie pumpkins as well as value-added products.

All of the money goes to local farmers, many of whom you will get to know personally when you pick up your basket. Call Pauline Hamilton, (775) 843-6402, or visit www.greatbasinbasket.com for more information.

• Farmers’ Markets

Beginning in June, Farmers’ Markets spring up throughout Reno/Sparks, offering a wide variety of locally grown and locally made products. To learn about this summer’s market schedule, click on “Farmers Markets” at www.nevadagrown.com.

• Sod-Buster Farm

Here you can get free-range, humanely raised chickens for sale twice a year. To 
get your chicken, you need to sign up for the “chicken by subscription” program by 
calling (775) 475-0214 or e-mailing 
 This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .

• Home Grown Nevada

You can get grass-fed beef here from November to April. Order individual cuts or the entire cow. For more information, call (775) 465-2549.

Wolf Pack Meats

Our very own University of Nevada butchered meats can be purchased at 5895 Clean Water Way, off East McCarran Boulevard by Mill Street. Choose from hormone-free beef, pork, and lamb. The pork comes from University of California, Davis, but the beef and lamb can be seen standing in the fields along East McCarran Boulevard. You can order online at www.cabnr.unr.edu/wpm/, but they don’t ship, so you will have to pick up your orders. Or just drop by Tuesday through Friday between the hours of 6 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Ongoing Information

Want to keep up to date on local permaculture topics and happenings? Visit

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/tmpermaculture/. Interested in knowing what’s it like to source almost all your food within 150 miles of Reno/Sparks? See Reno-ite and Locavore Nation Participant Leslie Allen’s blog on the topic at www.publicradio.org/columns/splendidtable/locavore_nation_west/.