The Wetzel County Chamber of Commerce hosted a Local Food Round Table on Thursday night where area businesses, farmers, educators, and hungry neighbors came together to talk about the benefits and the future of locally produced food in Wetzel County.

The discussion took place at West Virginia Northern Community College where roughly 60 interested citizens gathered to learn about how they can better grow, market, or educate others on the benefits of local food production and consumption. Before the meeting officially began, many local producers were on-hand to meet with interested growers and consumers and exhibit some of their produce. Producers included: Benny Howell of Grist Mill in Wileyville, Ed and Connie Howell of Sweet Creek Maple Syrup in Sistersville, John Schar of Sardis, Molly Toppe and John Jennings of Jennings Brae Bank Farm in New Martinsville, Al Tuttle and Chris Hoke of Middlebourne, Julia and Al Bolin of Sycamore Creek Farm in Middlebourne, Ellie and Steve Conlon of ThistleDew Farm in Proctor, and George and Julia McCoy of Sunshine Farm in Fly, Ohio.

Following a presentation on the Grow Local Go Local initiative by Tom Myslinsky, who serves in the capacity as a VISTA volunteer at the Wetzel County Chamber of Commerce, those present broke into different groups focused on the various aspects of local food. A marketing group was formed for those already producing and selling local food, while another housed those interested in learning how to grow produce for either themselves or their business. Another group was focused on ways to better educate the public on the benefits of producing, purchasing, and consuming locally produced goods. As those present were able to openly brainstorm on their varying topics, the Young Ladies Union of Magnolia High School recorded the sessions on paper so that anyone can have the opportunity read up on what was discussed in each of the groups. Those notes are available at growlocalgolocal.org.

But this initial meeting is just the beginning. Like any seed, diligent attention and care is needed in order for a plant-or plan-to take root and grow. With this in mind, the chamber plans to hold regular meetings to help keep the initiative going. The next meeting is scheduled for April 12 at 7 p.m. at the community college.

For more information on this ongoing event, including notes from this first discussion, visit growlocalgolocal.org. Information about the Grow Local Go Local initiative can also be found on their Facebook page. You can also call the chamber office at 304-455-3825.