The Pierce County Farm Advisory Committee is cooperating with King and Snohomish counties on a regional “Get Fresh Week” campaign Aug. 13-20. The promotion is designed to draw attention to Puget Sound Fresh, the marketing program for local farms.

Pierce County Executive John W. Ladenburg and the County Council declared their support for the campaign in a resolution adopted unanimously by the council Tuesday, Aug. 9. “This is the kind of activity that promotes good nutrition in our community and also helps save our farmlands,” said Council Chairman Shawn Bunney. “By buying locally grown products, we are able to keep our farms productive for future generations and support our local economy.”

The campaign’s theme is “Get Fresh Week – The Time is Ripe to Eat Local.” The goal is to encourage all residents and visitors of Pierce County to buy Puget Sound Fresh foods that have been grown, raised or harvested in the 12 counties that touch Puget Sound. Consumers will be encouraged to visit restaurants serving locally grown food and nearby local markets. Another element of the promotion involves encouraging consumers to request local products and experiment with the many locally grown crops that are hitting market shelves.