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Americans -- concerned about transportation costs, poor diet and global food poisoning scares -- are increasingly trying to eat fresher and minimally processed foods from farmers living in their regions.

Hundreds of groups and businesses across North Carolina are promoting localism as a way to reclaim control over their food sources.

For example, Alamance County residents plan to open in 2010 a cooperative grocery store supplied by food grown or produced within a 250-mile radius.

Eric Henry of Burlington says he realizes some foods, such as coffee and chocolate, have to be imported.

"We're not going to go back 100 years and totally isolate ourselves and depend totally on our local community," says Henry, who has been trying to gather support for the Alamance store. "I don't look at it as an all-or-nothing. But I do think the local trumps the organic or global model."

Families considering adopting more local diets should take time during the fall and winter seasons to plan next year's shopping and meal-preparation habits.

Find local farmers

Don't wait until the middle of summer to learn where you can purchase Triad-grown strawberries. Check with your favorite grocery store to discover if they already carry local products. Then post in a visible spot a list of farms and farmers' markets you are most likely to visit.

Farmers' markets provide the best access to a variety of products, such as easily perishable vegetables, baked goods and crafts.

Reduce your waste by investing in cloth shopping bags or reusing disposable bags.

Community-supported agriculture programs are another way to connect with local farmers. These services allow consumers to buy directly from growers by purchasing a share of the upcoming year's harvest. Participants typically pay a fee up front in the fall and winter before the growing season and then collect their boxes of food once a week at predetermined locations.

CSAs are becoming more popular in North Carolina with churches, businesses and neighborhood groups partnering to buy their produce and meat from farmers.

Find local farms and CSAs by visiting NCfarmfresh.com or Slowfoodpiedmont.org.

Change food habits

Driving to several different stores during the week may frustrate you.

Instead, try over time to weed out foods you eat that have to be transported into the area. Then buy in bulk items that cannot be purchased locally.

For example, my family has gradually reduced the amount of processed foods we eat -- things such as frozen pizzas, instant oatmeal and pancake mix.

We purchase flours, grains and herbs in bulk.

Ultimately, we save money and free up time to shop at the Greensboro Farmers' Curb Market on Saturday.

Also, plan your meals around what's in season to avoid purchasing imported items during colder weather.

Can't figure out what to do with all those blueberries and cabbage? Learn new recipes to liven up your meals. Can or dehydrate the extras to eat during the winter.

Plan your garden

Want to start that gardening project? Don't procrastinate.

Now is the time to plan and build your 2009 spring, summer and fall gardens. Research seeds, planting methods and the appropriate organic fertilizers and natural pesticides.

Compost makes a great fertilizer and should be ready in time if you start now.

Learn more by visiting Howtocompost.org or calling your local cooperative extension service.

Also, talk to your neighbors about creating a community garden or foodshed.

A foodshed is an extremely local food production and distribution system based on a series of neighborhood gardens. This allows residents to obtain a portion of their food needs within walking distance.

Following these steps will limit frustration and confusion as you shift toward eating locally.

Good luck, and I hope to see you at the farmers' market!

Want more green news? Visit goGreenTriad.com. Contact Morgan Josey Glover at 373-7078 or morgan.josey@news-record.com.