By Emily Wood
 
September 5, 2008
 
MEDFORD, Ore. -- Restaurants and businesses in the Rogue Valley are teaming up to support local growers and farms.
 
The 'Eat Local Challenge' is a week long celebration put on the by The Rogue Initiative For a Vital Economy (THRIVE) that is encouraging Southern Oregonians to buy food that is grown in the Rogue Valley. The campaign is sponsoring a variety of tastings, cooking classes and farm tours.
 
"It builds up our economy here locally rather than putting small businesses out of business when we support larger corporations," says Pennington Farm and Bakery Worker Jenny Skudstad.
 
The "Eat Local" campaign is offering more than 50 events from now through September 14th. For schedule information visit Thrive's website.