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By Miriam Raftery

Growing concerns over food safety and environmental issues have given rise to a new trend: consumers seeking out locally-grown and produced foods.

Sales of locally grown foods increased 25% in 2007 from $4 billion to $5 billion – and could hit $7 billion by 2011, according to a HealthFocus TrendScan report.  According to Packaged Facts, 69% of consumers surveyed agreed that local food is better for their personal health than food that has traveled across the country.  Buzzwords such as “food miles” the “slow food movement” and “locavore” (New Oxford American Dictionary’s 2007 word of the year) have entered the lingo.              

Since 9/11 ten times more Americans have been killed by food poisoning than by terrorist attacks, The Nation magazine reported. The FDA has investigated over 1,300 cases of salmonella poisonings in the U.S. since April of this year, linked to tainted Mexican peppers and tomatoes.  Last year, pet foods containing contaminated Chinese wheat gluten killed 1,950 cats and 2,200 dogs. 

Global warming and rising fuel prices have also sparked consciences of shop-local consumers eager to reduce oil used in transporting goods.  Many people are also seeking local foods for freshness, flavor, and a desire for organic items without chemicals.  In addition, buying local foods supports area farmers, businesses, and communities. 
           
SHOP LOCAL
Fortunately, there are plenty of places right here in East County where you can find delicious fresh, locally-grown or produced foods.   Many health food stores, such as Henry’s, Sprouts, and Windmill Farms markets carry a wide variety of locally grown produce.  Look for the “San Diego County 365” label or ask the store’s produce manager where products are from if not labeled.

Or hit the road and visit one of the many roadside farm stands and farmers’ marketplaces in the Eastern portion of San Diego County. 

ROADSIDE FARMSTANDS
The San Diego Farm Bureau lists many roadside farm stands where you can buy just-picked, farm-fresh produce directly from growers.   Or discover more on your own by driving East County’s back country roads.  Some of our favorites include:

Frosty Acres in Alpine (3905 Alpine Blvd., just east of the Alpine Blvd. Exit off I-8) sweet strawberries, peaches, watermelons and other seasonal fruits, peppers and other fresh vegetables, plus jars of locally-made honeys, salsas and salad dressings.

Farmstand West, Escondido (just east of the Felicita Ave. exit off I-15):   Juicy blackberries and raspberries in summertime, along with sweet white corn, okra, asparagus, persimmons, avocados, apricots, plums, figs and much more.

Lemon Twist, Rancho Santa Fe (8175 Del Dios Highway, just east of the Cielo and Crosby Estates housing developments): Oranges, tangerines, strawberries, broccoli, cucumbers, avocados, cherimoyas, certified organic lemons, grapefruit, tomatoes, zucchini and more. Seasonal produce such as Julian pears and apples, Lake Wohlford peaches, Ruby grapefruit from Borrego Springs, vegetables from the organic Tierra Miguel Farm in Pauma Valley and eggs from Fluegge Egg Ranch in Escondido are also offered, along with florals including azalea topiaries, orchids and bonsai.

Vegetable Shop at the Chino family farm, Rancho Santa Fe (6123 Calzada del Bosque, off Via de la Valle, S6):  Multiple varieties of most produce: Tomatoes, squash, squash blossoms, beans, shell beans, dried beans, melons, cucumbers, sprouts, greens and lettuces, celery root, carrots, turnips, parsnips, salsafy, radishes, brussels sprouts, okra, onions, Jerusalem artichokes, peppers, herbs, strawberries, strawberry figs, Concord grapes.

Hilliker's Egg Store, Lakeside (off Highway 67, 1/4-mile west of Riverford Road on El Nopal Road):  Eggs! Brown or white, single or double-yolk, sizes medium to extra large, available in cartons, flats, boxes, pallets or by the truckload; fresh, unprocessed sage and eucalyptus honey from the 16 beehives at the Hilliker farm; in spring and summer, fresh vegetables from Hilliker's home-grown vegetable field are also available.

FARMERS’ MARKETS
Buy directly from local farmers at outdoor bazaars featuring a wealth of fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and other locally-made goods.  Find a complete listing of farmers’ markets countywide at:
http://www.sdfarmbureau.org/Pages/farmersmarket.html
Below are farmers’ markets located east of I-15 in San Diego County.

Borrego Springs – Friday 7 a.m. to Noon (Nov thru May)
Christmas Circle Community Park at Christmas Circle and
Palm Canyon Dr

Escondido – Tuesday 2:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Grand Ave between Juniper and Kalmia St
www.downtownescondido.com/events/farmers_market
seasonal fruits and vegetables, flowers, herbs, nuts, eggs and honey. Other vendors offer gourmet chocolates, salsas, European breads, tamales, coffees

Lakeside Farmers Market – Thursday 2 to 6 p.m.
Lindo Lake Park, 9841 Vine St., Lakeside
Admission: Free

La Mesa – Friday  3 to 6 p.m.
8300 block of Allison Ave east of Spring St
Manager: Suzanne Bendixen (619) 440-5027

Poway – Saturday 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Old Poway Park at Midland Road and Temple

Rancho Bernardo – Friday 9 a.m. to Noon
Bernardo Winery parking lot at 13330 Paseo del Verano Norte

Scripps Ranch – Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ellen Browning Scripps Elementary School
10380 Spring Canyon Rd
Website: www.scrippsranchfarmersmarket.com

Temecula – Wednesday 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Old Town Temecula at 6th and Front Street or via e-mail at gcfarm123@aol.com
Website: www.temeculafarmersmarket.com

Tierrasanta – Thursday 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
De Portola Middle School
11010 Clairemont Mesa Blvd and Santo Rd

Valley Center Farmers Market – Thursdays 3-7 pm (closes at sunset in winter)
Valley Center Elementary School
28751 Cole Grade Rd., Valley Center 92082

Viejas Farmer's Market – June 23-August 25 on Tuesdays. 3:30-7:30 p.m.
Viejas Outlet Center, 5005 Willow Road, Alpine

Website: www.shopviejas.com

If you know of a source for fresh, local foods not listed here, please contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org.