We are fortunate to live in California with so many fresh food options, grown right here in our backyard. So why should be purchase food grown out of state (or country) that has to be trucked or shipped thousands of miles? Purchasing locally grown foods benefits the local economy, saves energy, preserves the environment and reduces CO2 emissions. The "San Mateo County: As Fresh as it Gets" Awards program recognizes local restaurants, hotels and caterers that make it a point to buy and serve produce from local San Mateo County growers, seafood caught off of San Mateo County's coastline, local goat cheese and beer and wine made in the county. A corporate category was added this year to recognize companies making an effort to serve their employees or students the freshest local fare.

Forty-four restaurants/hotels and caterers, two corporations and a local university earned "San Mateo County: As Fresh as it Gets" Awards at the second annual recognition ceremony held by the San Mateo County Convention Bureau and San Mateo County Farm Bureau in 2007. The program was expanded in 2008, thanks to a grant from the County, and is put on in cooperation with the San Mateo County Harbor District.

The program is expected to continue to grow as restaurants see the value in purchasing, serving and labeling local products. The Convention and Visitors Bureau, Farm Bureau and Harbor District are working on ways to maximize the distribution of local products throughout the county, and to that end, the restaurant owners and chefs have been invited on a behind the scenes farm and dock tour. The tour is designed to allow local chefs and owners to learn about local products and to make the necessary connections to purchase them.

Submitted by Steve Slomka, Half Moon Bay

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