Tonight Fox Toledo Reporter Heather Miller is doing a story to tie in with the TV show Masterchef.

She visited a Defiance area farm that raises grass fed beef. Milks cows for various dairy products including ice cream and cheese. Even raises chickens and some fruit and vegetable crops.

The story includes information about a group organizing in Northwest Ohio that goes by the acronym E.L.F. Eating Local Food Network.

They have a dinner planned for 9/11/10 called Taste of the Black Swamp. Don’t be put off by the title. No swamp soup will be served. Just a variety of foods grown in our region.

After the recent egg illness and dirty conditions found at those Iowa mega-farms, I’m feeling more inspired than ever to seek out local food when possible. Food that travels less distance saves energy, has more nutrition and bonus– money spent in your own community helps the local tax base, benefiting you, and not some far away state or country.

I sent a little cash with Heather. And she brought me back three different cheeses from Canal Junction Farmstead. A cheddar, a gouda and a gruyere. All gorgeous, grass fed, hand made and fresh. My next grilled cheese will be amazing.