Are you wondering how you will get the nine daily servings of fruit and vegetables recently recommended by the US Department of Agriculture? The 2005 Farm Fresh Atlas makes healthy eating easy by placing information about locally grown produce, meat, eggs, cheese and other food at your fingertips.

Endorsed by Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz and Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, the Farm Fresh Atlas includes more than 100 farms, farmers” markets and food-related businesses that pledge to protect our land and water resources, treat animals with care and respect, and provide safe working conditions for their employees.

“Buying food from locally-owned farms and business is a triple play,” says Falk. “First, you get high quality, fresh, healthy food to eat. Second, your food dollar stays in southern Wisconsin and helps our rural economy. Third, buying food from farms using sustainable agricultural practices protects our lakes, streams and wildlife.”

Beginning April 23, the Dane County Farmers” Market will have the Atlas available on Saturdays at their information booth at the top of State Street. The Atlas will also be available at farmers” markets, public libraries, farms, food co-ops and other area businesses after the 23rd. For a complete list of distribution sites, go here.

Now in its fourth year, the Farm Fresh Atlas has a new look. The expanded booklet format makes it easier to find specific farms and food products. Even though the format has changed, the Atlas continues to link Madison and Dane County residents with some of the best food in southern Wisconsin.

“In Madison, it”s easy to eat healthy, locally grown food,” says Cieslewicz. “We”ve got excellent farms, farmers” markets, restaurants, co-ops and other businesses offering food grown close to home. Treat yourself to some of the delicious food listed in the Atlas.”

The popularity of the Farm Fresh Atlas has inspired other Wisconsin communities to create similar guides. In 2005, look for Atlases in southeastern and eastern Wisconsin.

The Farm Fresh Atlas is a collaborative project of REAP Food Group, the Dane County Farmers” Market, the UW-Madison Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems, and the Friends of the Dane County Farmers” Market.

If you are interested in distributing copies of the Atlas, or if you would like more information about this resource, please contact Miriam Grunes at (608) 294-1114 or miriamg@reapfoodgroup.org