Palo Alto, Calif. - Amidst a whirlwind of reports about food contamination and obesity epidemics, Americans are increasingly concerned about where their food comes from. One comforting solution to the frighteningly large and complex scope of our food networks may also prove to be the most economically sound long-term model: eating locally purchased foods.

"For consumers, eating local is the single easiest way to protect yourself from large-scale food contamination outbreaks," according to Brian Halweil, Senior Researcher at the Washington DC-based Worldwatch Institute. "Add to that the fact that it helps preserve nearby farmland and keep local farmers in business, and it's the most economical food choice we can make."

Purchasing from small-scale, local farmers and producers can be less expensive for consumers, especially in season. The benefits are compounded when money remains in the community and available to the farmers.

"Every dollar's worth of produce sold in the supermarket returns an average of nine cents to a farmer," said Anya Fernald, of the California-based Community Alliance with Family Farmers. "But direct purchases -- from a farmers' market, for instance -- return an average of 90 cents on the dollar. It's this direct purchase model that will keep thousands of our small farmers in business."

The success, however, of the nation's attempt to downshift to a local food supply scheme, may rest largely in the hands of restaurants and the food service sector, a $476 Billion industry which accounts for 47% of every food dollar spent in the United States, according to foodservice.com.

Large companies are usually set up to purchase from centralized sources, and some are hesitant to make the leap to local suppliers. One notable exception is Bon Appétit Management Company, an onsite food service company for corporations, universities, and specialty venues which is proving that sourcing locally is not only economically viable, but also advantageous.

A pioneer in sustainable food sourcing, Bon Appétit implemented a "Farm to Fork" program in 1999, requiring each of its cafés and restaurants to purchase extensively from local producers.

Bon Appétit spends an estimated $30 million in annual purchases from local farmers, unprecedented among food service providers, contributing to the survival of many of America's small family farms.

To educate chefs, customers and their communities, they issue an annual Eat Local Challenge - this year on October 3 - which challenges their chefs at 400 cafés and restaurants to prepare a 100% locally-sourced meal.

"Local growers usually don't cultivate enough produce to do business with supermarkets," says farmer Brian Gardiner of America Fresh, who supplies produce to several Bon Appétit cafés in Northern California, including Yahoo!, and whose fruits and vegetables will be featured in the Eat Local Challenge. "Bon Appétit's purchasing power has had a tremendous effect in that the smaller producer is not at the mercy of the market. The farmer is ensured by Bon Appétit's decision to buy local to have a consistent and reliable market for his produce."

Bon Appétit also gains from partnerships with local farmers. Chefs have the freedom to collaborate with artisan producers to create inspired menus, and the company as a whole benefits from the image of corporate social responsibility. Guests and diners are happy to be able to support local farms. And, even if they can't see the financial payoff, they can taste the difference.

Perhaps those flavors are also a comfort to consumers with one lasting, very real food fear.

"The realization that if we continue on the present course, one day we will wake up to find that there are no locally owned farms, dairies, canneries, or grocers in sight, leaving us beholden to whatever farmer or food business is willing to ship us food on their terms," said Halweil.

About Bon Appétit Management Company

Bon Appétit Management Co. is an onsite restaurant company offering full food service management to corporations, universities and specialty venues. Bon Appétit is committed to sourcing local, sustainable food supplies for all cafés throughout the country. A pioneer in environmentally-sound sourcing policies, Bon Appétit has developed programs with Environmental Defense, the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch, and other leading conservation organizations. Based in Palo Alto, CA. Bon Appétit has more than 400 cafés in 29 states, including Oracle Corporation, American University and the Getty Center. www.bamco.com

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Bon Appetit Management Company

Bon Appetit Management Company

Bon Appetit Management Co. is an onsite restaurant company offering full food service management to corporations, universities and specialty venues. Bon Appetit is committed to sourcing local, sustainable food supplies for all cafes throughout the country. A pioneer in environmentally sound sourcing policies, Bon Appetit has developed programs with Environmental Defense, the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch, and other leading conservation organizations. Based in Palo Alto, CA. Bon Appetit has more than 400 cafes in 30 states, including Oracle Corporation, American University and the Getty Center.

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