February 21, 2006
Director of Media Relations
413/542-8417
AMHERST, Mass.—Amherst College has joined the “Be a Local Hero, Buy Locally Grown”™ program of Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA), a South Deerfield-based non-profit organization of farmers, consumers and professionals working together to sustain agriculture and preserve the unique rural character of communities in western Massachusetts through the purchase of local farm products. Amherst is the second college to join the campaign.
Charlie Thompson, the director of dining services at Amherst College, says, “The college has been trying to buy local products as often as possible. We are completely committed to the ideals of buying locally grown now and in the future.” Thompson comments, “We have been buying local produce for close to 20 years through a local produce company, Squash Inc.” Squash Inc. is committed to the support of local agriculture and is the link that brings local farmers and end users together. Amherst College Dining Services has increased its purchase of locally produced items over the past six months to include, honey, jam, beef, maple syrup and apples, among other items.
“College students are increasingly interested in having their dining centers use locally grown farm products,” says Kelly Coleman, program coordinator at CISA. “Students taste the high quality of local products and appreciate connecting to farmers and the wider community. We welcome Amherst College and its students to the Local Hero program.”
CISA is the creator of the “Be a Local Hero, Buy Locally Grown”™ marketing campaign to promote the purchase of local agricultural products by local consumers. Learn more about CISA or call 413/665-7100.
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