News Story 4

Bemidji Caters to Eating Locally

Local and Organic Food is Making an Impact in Bemidji

By Amy Borgman

        The idea of eating locally is spreading like wildfire. Within the last two years, there has been: The 100-Mile Diet, other local and organic diets, blogs, books, restaurants, and clubs that are all contributing to the local food movement. And the movement is going strong with its many benefits to the economy, the environment, and health. Bemidji is no stranger to this progressive shift in the food industry.

Moni Schneider sits outside of the Bistro she proudly opened 9 years ago.

Photo by Amy Borgman

         Moni Shneider, co-owner of the Wild Hare Bistro is a major proponent of the local food idea. Local farmers flock to the Wild Hare regularly to advertise and potentially sell their fresh produce. The owners of the Hare are more than willing to spend a few extra dollars for local produce they know is fresh and circulating profit throughout the community. Over time, they even develop friendships with the farmers that provide food for their restaurant. They look forward to their business each year. A few friends of Moni’s even own a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm named, Farmcopia, on the outskirts of Bemidji. This makes it even easier for them to get their hands on fresh new ingredients for the bistro.

The Wild Hare tends a produce garden outside of the bistro at 6th St. and Minnesota Ave. that provides fresh herbs and vegetables to use in their menu items.

Photo by Amy Borgman

        Because of the abundance of agriculture in Bemidji, The Wild Hare is able to have a weekly local special. The lunch special will comprise of their most recent and in-season fruits or vegetables. Moni loves the idea of using local ingredients, “It forces us to be creative. We’re not always using the same junk like some other restaurants do."

Crowded shelves at Harmony Co-op will soon be moving to its new location at 3rd Street and Irvine Ave. in March 2011.

Photo by Amy Borgman

          

        Local and organic food proponents are birds of a feather, especially in a small city such as Bemidji. Mackenzie Lindahl has worked at the Harmony Natural Food Co-op since 2001 and the Wild Hare since 2006. She came to Bemidji for a degree in Mass Communication in 1999, and has since stayed for her loyalty and appreciation for the community. The nice part about her job is, she can get off work at the Hare and bring what is left of their supply of produce to the Co-op to be sold. This creates a cycle for local and organic food to circulate throughout the community. As the Dairy Manager for the Co-op, however, Mackenzie’s specialty is definitely cheese. A few years ago, The WCR – Women Chefs and Restaurateurs organization even sent Mackenzie on a cheese tour of Wisconsin where she discovered neighboring varieties to bring back to The Hare.

Harmony Natural Food Co-op currently resides at 117 3rd St., Bemidji.

Photo by Amy Borgman

            As local eating popularity continues to grow, so will its presence in Bemidji. Harmony Co-op, the Wild Hare, Sunrise Natural Food and Crafts, and Local Farmers Markets are inspiring the notion that Bemidji recognizes its local food offerings.

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