Troxler challenges restaurants to highlight local food this summer

A new program from the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is encouraging chefs to dig into locally grown products this summer, to the benefit of diners.

The Dig into Local – 90 Day Challenge aims to promote the bounty of N.C. agricultural products available by challenging chefs from across the state to create new menu options in their restaurants.

"This challenge means even more local foods for consumers to sample. Many restaurants across the state already feature North Carolina grown, raised or processed products on their menus, but we hope to encourage even more to feature local items," said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. "We want consumers to know that whether they are shopping in a supermarket or eating at a restaurant, they can always find fresh and delicious North Carolina products."

As part of the challenge, restaurants will create a customized menu of dishes featuring products sourced from North Carolina. Each menu must show information about the local ingredients, including the farm, producer or processor. In addition, participating restaurants are required to submit a summary at the end of the challenge with information about their menu creations. Restaurants will be judged on their creations, and the winner will receive a customized marketing package to use in its area.

The challenge runs from June 1 to Aug. 31. For more, contact Tim Parrish at 919-707-3137 or tim.parrish@ncagr.gov.