Now that you've probably heard about the benefits of eating locally grown food, you'll want to check out the following searchable databases. They'll have you chowing down on regional grub in no time. Most of these sites allow you to enter your ZIP code or at least search by state. And some even allow you to narrow your search to something as specific as 'pumpkin patches' within '50 miles' of 'Phoenix, Arizona,' or 'local food restaurants' in 'Lawrence, Kansas.' Scroll to the bottom to find local food producers outside the United States.
Local Harvest
Real Food. Real Farmers. Real Community.
Search for farmers markets, CSAs (community supported agriculture groups), co-ops and restaurants featuring local food.
Eat Wild
The #1 Site for Grass-Fed Food & Facts
Search for grass-fed meat and dairy.
Local Food Directories
State-by-state resources from the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service
Eat Well Guide
Wholesome Food from Healthy Animals
USDA List of Farmers Markets
Search for farmers markets nationwide.
USDA CSA Resources
Find community supported agriculture programs to join in your area.
Green People Directory
From the Organic Consumers Association, a list to help locate food producers and other merchants in your community
Chefs Collaborative Local Food Search
Chefs come here to locate local farmers, and you can locate restaurants serving up local fare.
Food Routes
The organization that helps other organizations rebuild community food systems also helps you find local food producers in your area.
Gourmet Magazine 2007 Restaurant Guide
This year's list of great American restaurants focuses on those whose chefs are taking locally sourced ingredients in new and exciting directions.
OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES
Real Food Directory: London Listings
From the Times Online, find the best restaurants, local produce and markets in the London area.
ATTENTION READERS:
If you know of more resources to help people find the world's best food (locally grown, that is!), please share it in the comments section below. I'm especially interested in regional rather than national guides, and also international sources.
