The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services challenges all Virginians to Eat Local for a Day during Virginia Farmers Market Week, on August 3 through 9.

Local products, harvested at the peak of freshness, ensure great taste and maximum nutrition. Eating local gives you a chance to know the people who produce your food and reduces energy costs by saving shipping miles.

Buying Virginia Grown or Virginia’s Finest products supports Virginia’s number one industry, agriculture, and helps ensure that working farmland remains in production. And now there’s one more reason.

If you Eat Local for a Day and submit a video of your experience, you will be eligible for a full-to-bursting prize basket of Virginia foods, beverages, a Virginia Grown polo shirt, a logo cap or tote bag, and a host of other Virginia items.

Here’s the challenge: pick a day during Farmers Market Week and eat only Virginia products for breakfast, lunch, dinner and all those in-between snacks. Make a video of what you ate, where you bought it and how much you enjoyed it. Send it to EatLocalVa@vdacs.virginia.gov by September 2 for a chance to win that Virginia prize pack and to see your video featured on VDACS’ Web site and YouTube.

Look for complete details online at the link below, where you can find locations to purchase or pick-your-own Virginia Grown fruits and vegetables, a produce availability chart, great recipes and more. There is also a link to a listing of Virginia processed foods.

Choose Virginia Grown, Virginia made, Virginia processed and Virginia produced products. Take your pick from the delicious array of Virginia Grown and locally made foods and beverages available at grocery and specialty stores, farmers markets, roadside stands and pick-your-own farms. The list includes everything from Virginia fruits, vegetables, wine, candies, cheeses, condiments, pasta, poultry, seafood, snacks, honey, herbs, meats, jams, eggs, dairy products, baked goods and more.

“Now, more than ever, eating local makes a lot of sense,” says Todd P. Haymore, VDACS Commissioner. “And I encourage all ages to accept our challenge. Start by eating local for a day and submitting your video, but don’t stop there. Make delicious Virginia products a part of every meal, all year long.”