CHENANGO COUNTY – When it comes to food, Chenango County has more to offer than people may think, local economic and agriculture specialists say.

To prove it, two area organizations are challenging the public to explore Chenango’s bounty in the “Eat Local Challenge.” With a list of products – including where they can be found and how they can be used – the challenge, sponsored by Opportunities for Chenango, Inc. and Cornell Cooperative Extension, will demonstrate how purchasing local products benefits the economy and people’s health, organizers say, as well as show them how easy Chenango County food items are to find.

“I think it will be a lot of fun,” said Stacie Edick, project specialist from OFC. “It’s almost like a scavenger hunt, and people will get to know what’s available in our county. They might be surprised how much is here.”

Participants are asked to commit anywhere between 50 and 100 percent of their diet to locally made products. “Local” has been defined as anywhere within 100 miles of one’s residence. There is also a challenge guide and “passport” available that will help participants find their local food sources and keep track of their daily progress. By collecting passport stickers from participating businesses, they could win a “Basket of Local Bounty” worth $75.

Edick believes with a little creativity, that there’s enough homegrown and homemade food to satisfy most appetites.

“I have no intention of giving up my morning coffee,” she said. “Now I can buy coffee roasted locally at Chenango Coffee Roasters (South Otselic), and use local honey or maple syrup instead of sugar to sweeten my coffee – and it tastes even better. I can buy local farm fresh eggs for Sunday breakfast and ham, bacon, or sausage to complete the meal. Or on workdays, eat Granola from Upstate Harvest with Double Maple yogurt from Evan’s Farmhouse Creamery. Fresher products and great taste – two reasons to shop locally.”

The challenge is being held in conjunction with OFC’s new “Bullthistle Bounty Discount Card program and CCE’s recently published “Guide to Locally Grown Products.”

Testing their ability to eat from the local supply will be Evening Sun reporters Jill Osterhout, Tyler Murphy, Jessica Lewis and Mike McGuire.

“I think we have a diverse group on staff who represent a good cross-section of Chenango County’s eaters,” said Evening Sun Managing Editor Jeff Genung.

The Sun writers will keep a log of their experiences and update readers on their progress in both the print edition and on evesun.com.

Genung said the challenge is a perfect fit for his staff, considering food has historically been an important component of being a reporter for Chenango County’s hometown daily newspaper.

“If there is one thing I’ve learned in 17 years, it’s how important lunch is to Evening Sun reporters,” he said.