Washington State has declared September 2025 “Eat Local Month.” This proclamation highlights the importance of supporting those who use, grow and raise food products right here in our state. In Thurston County, we are fortunate to have famers, fisherman and farm-to-table restaurants that already practice this important mantra of Eat Local First. This September, support these hard-working individuals and businesses and enjoy good food and fun events.
Eat Local Month is a meaningful choice to strengthen our food system, reduce our impact on the planet, and contribute to a future where our farmland and fishing waters thrive. “So often the hard work of those who grow, raise and harvest our food goes unseen and unrecognized,” says Maressa Valliant, Eat Local First director. “This proclamation celebrates what we all know to be true – that the labor of farmers, ranchers, and fishermen is the backbone of this state. It’s so exciting to see these communities rightfully honored.”
Eat Local Month Events and Activities in Thurston County
Snail of Approval Celebration & Summer Potluck
September 13, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
2600 East Bay Drive NE, Olympia
Slow Food Greater Olympia is putting on an end-of-summer event that the whole family is sure to love. While the event serves as the annual meeting, all are welcome to come and taste the amazing food and meet the winners of the Snail of Approval. These awards are given to food and beverage businesses that follow green and fair practices, including caring for employees and sourcing ingredients with integrity.
Olympia Farmers Market
700 Capitol Way N, Olympia
Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Luckily, it’s still high season at the Olympia Farmers Market, so you can spend Eat Local Month at the Olympia Farmers Market, buying locally grown vegetables, eggs, fruits, nuts and more. While you are there, enjoy locally-made food too. Be sure to Look for Mother’s Roots, a seasonal farm-to-table kitchen at the Olympia Farmer’s Market made from scratch from organic produce.
Yelm Farmers Market
206 McKenzie Avenue, Yelm
Saturdays through September 27, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Celebrate Eat Local Month at the Yelm Farmers Market! Enjoy the last fruits of the season and get your applesauce, pear butter, canned beans and more ready for winter enjoyment.
Tenino Farmers Market
Saturday through September, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
213 Sussex Avenue W, Tenino
Look for local heirloom varieties at the Tenino Farmers Market for Eat Local Month. On September 27, their closing day, head to the Tenino Farmers Market for Pumpkin Day!
Tumwater Farmers Market
September 12, 27237 Dennis Street SE, Tumwater
Don’t miss the last two days of the Tumwater Farmers Market during Eat Local Month! They have live music each Sunday and raffles that make shopping local even more fun.
Summit Farms
11815 Whitehall Lane Southeast
707.540.5567
Open by appointment only.
Summit Farms is an AgriTourism spot and a great place to spend a beautiful September weekend before our winter weather hits! They have RV hookups as well as dry camp sites. They have a barn that hosts events like karaoke and family movie night and also have swings, billiards and a stage. Contact them for more information about upcoming events and camping. Purchase their produce, eggs, nuts, and flowers at the Olympia Farmers Market, Tumwater Farmers Market, and occasionally on the farm.
Farm-To-Table Restaurants Thurston County
Here are just a couple restaurants to enjoy during Eat Local Month. When eating out, look for participating restaurant menus with the green fork symbol, showcasing that the item is made from locally-sourced ingredients.
Anthony’s
704 Columbia Street NW, Olympia
1675 Marine Drive NE
Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill and Anthony’s HomePort Olympia are family-owned and take pride in serving your family local, fresh seafood. From Oregon coast shrimp to Willapa Bay oysters and Alaska weathervane scallops, you will taste the difference. Anthony services Double R Ranch beef and Skagit Valley potatoes. Ask your server what is local and fresh – you will be surprised by the number of options. They have gluten-free options available too!
Iron Rabbit Restaurant & Bar
2103 Harrison Ave NW, Olympia
Iron Rabbit Restaurant & Bar’s owner is dedicated to a family-friendly restaurant with elevated menu items created from locally-sourced ingredients, such as beef from Royal Ranch in Royal City, Washington. His dedication to quality extends to environmental stewardship, sustainable practices and well-compensated staff.
Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar
222 Capitol Way N, Olympia
You might not be able to get fresher than this, unless you go out and harvest the oysters yourself! That’s because Chelsea Farms is a sustainable shellfish farm and the fruits of their labor are served to you at their bar!
Want to get involved in Eat Local Month with your business, farm or organization? Contact Eat Local First. Also check their calendar for more Eat Local Month events are they are added.
“Eating local is much deeper than a tagline or a buzz word,” shares Maressa. “Eating locally grown and harvested foods connects us to place, it’s seasons, and the people who tend the land and steward the seas that we all share. When we support these local farms and food businesses, we strengthen our local communities and economies, and are actively investing in a vibrant future.”
