Go Texan

GO TEXAN is a program sponsored by the Texas Department of Agriculture. The program is designed to encourage and champion restaurants in Texas who use Texas grown meats, produce and other ingredients. So why is this important? Why am I writing about it and why is the Texas Department of Agriculture promoting it? There are many advantages to eating locally.

On average, your food travels 1500 miles from where it was grown to your table. 1500 miles! That is a long way. In the process, there is a substantial amount of economic and environmental loss. In light of the current recession people are looking to cut back in various aspects of their lives. One way individuals typically do this is by buying less fresh produce because it is so costly. (However, it is just as costly on their health to not buy fresh fruits and vegetables.) Part of that cost is the fuel used to get it to your local grocer. Buying locally grown produce not only supports the local farming community but is cheaper for you! Seems like another win-win to me!

Secondly, it only does it saves you financially but you get a fresher product. Who doesn't want that? Buying locally also ensures that you are eating produce that is in season, again making it more fresh. In short, there is really no negative side to purchasing locally grown produce and while you are at it -- eating at restaurants that also make a point of buying their ingredients locally.

For a list of participating Lubbock restaurants, click here.