Meet Kristine Root, dedicated locavore and Slow Food Denver Member, who’s family is “Writing their Own Story” in the Eat Local challenge.

Why did you decide to be involved in the Eat Local Challenge?

I know that the more I break out of the traditional food system and connect with local food producers and farmers the more meaningful and delicious my food experience becomes. The Eat Local Challenge just sounded like such a fun way to get involved.

How did you decide to approach the challenge?

My initial reaction was to join the challenge and go “All In.” After all, I have found that any time I push myself out of my comfort zone the opportunity for growth presents itself.

As a mother and wife, I knew I had to get buy in from my family. I presented the Eat Local Challenge over dinner and it was clear that my kids loved the idea of setting their own rules. It’s important to me that I use our life experiences to inspire my children and there’s no better way to do that then to follow their excitement, so we’re going with the kids excitement and “Writing our Own Story.” The theme the kids came up with is Local Fokal; meaning focus on what’s local. Use what comes from our CSA share, garden or local farmers as the center piece around which our entire food story is woven in September. What’s local will take center stage on our plate and in our mind and other non-local food accompaniments may filter in to accentuate. Now that sounds fun!

How does local food play a central role in your life?

About 11 years ago, one of our couple friends decided to move out of the city and start up a farm. They went with a CSA model and we jumped in to support them as members in their first CSA season. We loved the weekly box of food surprises filled with the freshest and tastiest produce ever. We enjoyed heading out to work on the farm for a day to harvest heirloom garlic, till the land, learn specialty crop planting strategies, and play with the goats and chickens. We had already been avid co-op member in Minneapolis, but this was an all new connection with our food. When we moved to Denver, we sought out to recreate meaningful connections in the community with the folks who shared our passion for good food and dedicated their life to producing it. As a family, we continue to support the CSA model as CSA members, as well as volunteer with various organizations that make good, clean and fair food a reality.

What tips do you have for incorporating local food habits into one’s daily lifestyle?

Start by doing some research, or joining the Eat Local Challenge where Slow Food Denver does that leg work for you. Even if you start by just finding one thing, like a CSA share, or MM Local’s delicious holiday beets, you start building a connection with your food at a different level.

Which local product can you not live without? 

Colorado peaches! When I ate my first Colorado peach from our Ela fruit share, I swear I felt like it was the first time I had really tasted the magic of a true peach. I can’t wait until peach season arrives!!!