By Holly Sweat

You are about to sit down to dinner – When is the last time you asked where your food comes from? We found out why National Food Day focuses on answers to that question. The campaign comes just one week before Farm bill discussions begin in Washington.

Real Food UGA spent Thursday morning picking produce to promote National Real Food Day, a campaign encouraging consumers to buy locally grown produce. They say even with all the variety at the dining halls, they are still lacking local options.

“Get UGA’s food system too in trying to get their dollars to go towards to more sustainable and environmentally friendly, community friendly, better food sources, better farmers that support that too,” Emily Schoone said, the event coordinator.

Actions in Athens today look ahead to actions in Washington next week. The Farm Bill comes before congress. Real Food advocates want more funding for sustainable farms.

“Food is something that is a part of all of our lives multiple times a day. How we buy it from where we buy it what we eat is really important I believe,” she continued.

Action Ministries’ “Our Daily Bread” understands why healthy, sustainable food is important. That’s why they added local fresh produce to the menu today.

They served kale, eggplant, tomatoes, bell pepper mixed with scrambled eggs for breakfast. Event Coordinator Drew Hooks says the guests actually appreciated the change.

“For the most part everyone enjoyed it,” Hooks told Newsource. “I had some people say it was one of the best breakfasts they’ve had in a while.”

Hooks believes Food Day not only gives guests a healthy lunch, but also supports local farmers.

“By supporting local agriculture, you’re helping yourself and you’re helping your neighbor,” said Hooks.

Be sure to check back with Newsource next week to get any updates on Congress’s Farm Bill.