Foraging
Actually, I should say, hunting and gathering. However, in fashionable circles, foraging is what this is called. It simply means gathering your own food.
What ? Really ? Yes. You would not believe how much good food there is here and there. All that stands between you and this food is a little information and a little work. You also need a little common sense; obviously you need to be certain that what you forage is edible and not harmful. Check with your local County Extension Agent or Health Department if you have any doubt.
In Palo Alto, California, on my morning jog, in town, I could identify 5 kinds of citrus just falling off neighborhood trees. And I 'm not very good at identifying citrus. Here in my home town, there is every color of apple. I know of asparagus, morel mushrooms, and even some black raspberries. Beside my woodpile is lush German Chamomile. I used to use it to put my kids to sleep.
These are wild or naturalized sources, that is, not in anyone's garden or yard. How would you learn of these ? Word of mouth of course. One good way is to go to the Farmer's Market in your area. These are the types of folks who would know about these sorts of things. But guess what.. there is also an internet database. It is called falling fruit. Some areas are better documented that others. But check it out at :
Foraging also encompasses getting unwanted surplus from local gardeners. Most are happy to have people take their surplus off their hands. That saves them the trouble of taking it to the food bank. Truly, it will do their heart good to see that their garden produce is not wasted. I would go so far as to post a notice of at the local garden supply or agriculture store.
Resources:
Hunting and fishing
Nearly every morning, as I drive to work in winter, there are warmly dressed men at the bridge crossing the Flathead River. They stand patiently in the misty morning cold, their buckets beside their feet. I want to ask what they are catching, or bring them a thermos of chocolate, but I have to get to work.
Most every area of the country has it's specialty items, whether it's fish from rivers or lakes, seafood, upland game birds, or deer and elk. Obtaining these foods requires time, skill, some upfront investment, and possibly a little travel, but the time and money is well spent if only for the satisfaction and adventure. Hunting and fishing done according to local health and wildlife management regulations is a very responsible way to eat. I might add it is a great family activity, which engenders respect for what we put in our mouth. Check with your local Forest Service office or Fish Wildlife and Parks to learn about what's feasible. Your local sporting goods stores will have some insights as well.