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The further South you go, the easier it is, right?

Posted at 7:32 AM on March 28, 2008 by Sareen Dunleavy Keenan (3 Comments)

I was dreaming of pineapples, banana's and hula skirts when we headed out on our road trip. OK, Nebraska isn't that far South, but I did think it was far enough to open a whole new world of possibilities in terms of local food. We were also traveling West, just that much closer to those fertile fields of Washington that tempt me weekly at the grocery store. I was set for an eating extravaganza.

Well, one thing is for sure, a trip to the in-laws is always an eating extravaganza, but it wasn't as I had hoped. Where we are shopping in Minneapolis, all products are clearly listed with where they are from. They indicate organic or conventional. Sometimes they even come with notes "super tasty" or other helpful indicators. A survey of five stores in Omaha had little of this information. Of course you could tell what was organic and conventional, but usually by the price. With searching, this could be verified with a sticker or poorly highlighted sign. Origination information? That is crazy talk. Why would you want to know?

I am sure that there are places in Omaha that are doing a great job. I am sure that you can eat locally in Omaha and you simply need more than a week to get your footing and to start eating locally. However, I will say with some shock: warmer does not equal easier when it comes to local eating.

My hat is tipped to all Nebraskans trying to make a go of local eating. And if you are doing it, tell me how, I will be back that way soon enough searching for some fine local produce. Thanks for making this easier on me Minneapolis!

Comments (3)

Hi Sareen,

Although I live in NC, Omaha is my home town and I try get back there several times a year.

I think you may have better luck with local in the warmer months. Whole Foods (0n Regency Circle across from the Westroads) has local items, and nice local produce in the summer. There is also a good farmers market downtown in the Old Market area. I think it's only on Saturdays and I don't know when it starts--June maybe? I've also seen local produce in Bakers, but not much and not often.

Let me put in a good word for my favorite coffee, Pears, which is local to Omaha and has organic. I always bring some back to NC with me. The security folks at the airport sometimes want to check it out, but that's OK, I have great coffee for a few months!

Good luck and try the Whole Foods Omaha web site, they list all local suppliers.

Posted by Carolanne | March 29, 2008 5:17 PM

Hey Sareen,

After I posted I thought of one more thing for you: McFoster's located at about 39th between Farnam & Harney. Not your typical Omaha eatery at all. A family operation that offers local, organic and vegan as well as chicken, seafood & dairy. A really great place. Everyone is very friendly and could most likely give you helpful info. Again,good luck--don't give up on Omaha yet!

Posted by Carolanne | March 30, 2008 10:08 AM

You are not kidding about the Pears coffee. It is the only coffee stocked when we are in Omaha. I noticed that the last time the family came for a visit, they even brought their own coffee. Apparently we weren't holding a candle to the Pears.

For anyone that hasn't tried it, do it quick!

In the area of non-beverages, I am sure there is a lot going on. But it really hammered home for me how well my husband and I were helped out when we started this challenge. We had already established purchasing habits based on supporting people and not companies. Turns out, when you do that, you are generally already buying a lot of local food.

It takes time to establish a relationship with your city and it's local offerings. I am sure they are out there! Thanks for the encouragement; I will keep looking.

Posted by Sareen | April 1, 2008 11:45 AM