Madison: New Farm Fresh Atlas released

When it comes to local food, Southern Wisconsin is considered a national leader. With farmers' markets every day of the week, pick-your-own farms, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms, grocery stores and restaurants that offer local fare, the only challenge is deciding where to shop.

And that's really no challenge, thanks to the newly released ninth edition of the Southern Wisconsin Farm Fresh Atlas, a free, 40-page guide to nearly 200 farms, farmers' markets and other places that sell fruit, vegetables, meat, cheese, milk, eggs and other locally grown eats. The atlas also lists 27 "Buy Fresh Buy Local" restaurants that source local ingredients for their menus.

Beginning April 17, the 2010 Southern Wisconsin Farm Fresh Atlas is available at the Dane County Farmers' Market information booth at the top of State Street. It will soon be available at other farmers' markets, public libraries, farms, grocery stores, Heartland Credit Union branches and other area businesses.
It will also be inserted in the May issue of the Sustainable Times, which will come out May 5.

"With rising fuel costs and worries about climate change, more and more people want to eat good food grown close to home," said Judy Hageman, who grows winter spinach, flowers, tomatoes and other vegetables at Snug Haven Farm near Belleville. "Whether you're looking for quality ingredients for home-cooked meals or a great restaurant offering local food, you can find it in the Farm Fresh Atlas."

Each vendor listed in the atlas pledges to protect land and water resources, treat animals with care and respect and provide safe working conditions for their employees.

The 2010 Southern Wisconsin Farm Fresh Atlas is a collaborative project of REAP Food Group, the Dane County Farmers' Market, the UW-Madison Center for Integrated Agricultural Systemsand the Friends of the Dane County Farmers' Market. It is underwritten by Heartland Credit Union, with major financial support provided by local businesses and organizations.

If you are interested in distributing copies of the 2010 Southern Wisconsin Farm Fresh Atlas, or would like more information about this resource, please contact Miriam Grunes at (608) 310-7836 or miriamg@reapfoodgroup.org.