January Local Food Challenge: Start With Your "Why"

Every meaningful change starts with a simple question: Why?

Why this habit?

Why this choice?

Why local food?

Before we talk about what to buy or when to shop, January is about getting grounded in why this matters to you. Because when your actions are connected to your values, they stick.

So let’s start there.

Your January Local Food Challenge: Ask Yourself These 4 Questions

Grab a notebook, the notes app on your phone, or just a quiet moment at the kitchen table. There are no right answers—only honest ones.

1. Why do I care where my food comes from?

Is it health? Trust? Taste? Land stewardship? Supporting people you know?

Write the first thing that comes to mind.

2. Who do I want my food dollars to support?

Family farmers? Ranchers caring for grasslands? Local businesses? Future generations?

Your purchase is a vote. Who are you voting for?

3. What kind of food system do I want to be part of building?

One that’s resilient? Transparent? Human-scaled? Rooted in place? Humane?

Your monthly purchase helps shape that system.

4. How do I want to feel when I feed myself and my family?

Calm? Nourished? Proud? Connected? Vibrant?

Local food has a way of changing not just what we eat—but how we feel about eating.

Make It Real: Choose Your Local Food Week

Now that your “why” is clearer, let’s make this challenge easy.

Step 1: Pick one week each month to purchase local (Tip: choose the same week every month so it becomes a rhythm!):

• Week 1 (1st–7th)

• Week 2 (8th–14th)

• Week 3 (15th–21st)

• Week 4 (22nd–28th)

This is your Local Food Week.

Step 2: Put it on your calendar! If it's a digital version, be sure to add a recurring reminder: “Local Food Week — make my one local purchase”

Step 3: Set a phone reminder! Life is busy. A nudge helps. Set it once, and you’re done for the year.

That’s it. No overthinking. No perfection required.

Why Starting With “Why” Matters

When you know why you’re doing something, the how gets easier.

Your why:

• Guides your choices

• Grounds your habits

• Keeps you coming back even when life gets full

When you place value on something—especially food—it has a way of transforming your life. It changes how you shop, how you cook, how you gather, and how you connect.

This month isn’t about doing everything right. It’s about starting with intention.

Start with your why, and the rest will follow.

Want to participate in the Local Food Challenge? Sign up here! It's free, fun, and transformational!

Start the January Local Food Challenge by asking "Why" local food is important to you.