Local Food Served in the Gamut Room

LOCALmotive, a new shift in the Gamut Room on Monday nights from 7 – 9 p.m., aims to bring local food to campus in an affordable and fun way.

Annalise Carington ’15 and Jordan Collins ’15.5 started this initiative and are the main cooks. They coordinated with the Middlebury College Organic Farm and other local sources, such as the weekly Middlebury farmer’s market, to get a wide range of produce. This process allows them to use not only organic vegetables, but also local dairy, meat, eggs and other produce in their weekly dishes.

The initiative connects the students to a wider community beyond the College through direct communication between the student leaders and the local farms.

“In doing this we support the local economy and build relationships with farmers in the community,” said Carington.

While local, organic food is often more expensive than other options, this is not the case with LOCALmotive. A plate full of Vermont-grown cuisine costs only a dollar or two, and there are different options every week.

The Gamut Room’s central location adds to the initiative’s convenience, making it easy to stop by for a quick snack or stay and enjoy the dynamic atmosphere.

“Our goal is to make local food more accessible on campus,” said Carington. “Students have to know what good local food tastes like before they will care about it.”

The shift has been fairly well attended so far, but the organizers are looking to reach out to more students, especially those who do not have experience buying and eating local food.

Rachel Getz ’15.5, a student who has attended this shift, agrees with the importance of introducing local food to students in a fresh, new way.

“I think it is a wonderful and delicious thing,” said Getz.

“Even if you aren’t a food activist and crazy about the local food movement, just go because the food is fantastic.”

“I think Vermont is ahead of the curve in terms of returning to our agricultural roots and a lot of people need to be exposed to the value of such a strong food-centered community.”

In addition to supporting local farmers and organic food-based lifestyles, Carington adds that a main goal of LOCALmotive is simply to give students a tasty meal.

“If nothing else, we hope to provide a yummy study break for students, from sources that we feel good about,” she said.

To try the locally grown snacks for yourself, stop by the Gamut Room in Gifford next Monday from 7 – 9 p.m.