We’ve all heard the term “local” applied to our food, but why should we care? Friends of Local Foods (FLF), a student-led organization, wants to persuade students to value eating locally.

An MSU club for five years, FLF promotes regional foods both on campus and in the community. The group seeks to raise awareness of the benefits of choosing a local diet and manages a garden on campus.

“About five years ago FLF created the Towne’s Harvest Garden,” said Marcy Gaston, the club’s president. “The big project we have now is a local farm stand to sell reduced-cost vegetables from the garden to low-income residents in Bozeman, like retirement homes.”

Along with providing the community with local foods, the club sponsors campus lectures and hosts events emphasizing the importance of eating locally.

“There are many farmers in the Bozeman area,” Gaston said, “and we want to support the local economy.”

One of FLF’s many events includes the upcoming Culinary Cabaret, a night to help raise funds for the local farm stand project. The Culinary Cabaret will feature food and entertainment for attendees.

Although she emphasized that choosing local foods plays an important role in the entire Bozeman community, Gaston stated a majority of FLF’s efforts are aimed toward getting students involved.

“We want the whole student body to know where their food comes from,” Gaston said. “It’s a connection between them and their community.”

Those interested in learning more about the club can attend its meetings, which are held on the first Wed. of each month at 6 p.m. in the SUB. Members discuss ideas for the club and organize events, while incorporating activities along the way.

More information about events and fundraisers can be found at www.friendsoflocalfoods.com.