Local First announced is 10x10 Eat Local Challenge last week and I immediately pledged. I’ll admit it was for personal gain primarily since my first thoughts weren’t on creating a better world or helping one’s neighbor. Rather, I needed to take the challenge in order to start saving more money. That is the best-kept secret about going local – it not only helps out the local economy it is also a sound financial decision.

As a recent college graduate who is attempting to pay student loans and other bills with a serving job, saving money is incredibly important. I first learned of the cheaper and more sustainable food options from my hippie parents, who were food co-op members. I knew that these choices my parents took were financially smart since they were somehow able to feed their horde of children healthy local food.

Now, after four years as a Grand Rapids resident, I am even more acquainted with the cheap eating options that are available. I know I’m lucky to live in a place that provides so many restaurants, breweries, markets and stores that support the local economy and provide fresh products.

By taking this challenge, I want to force myself to reevaluate some of my typical cheap food choices and replace them with healthier, tastier and cheaper local food.

I hope you take this challenge with me. It directly impacts our community, and equally important, it will reap positive changes for you personally, too.