Food Works is a non-profit organization that promotes sustainable, local food systems. On Wednesday September 2nd, the Executive Director of Food Works, Kathleen Logan Smith announced the "Eat Local Challenge", an initiative involving the Neighborhood Coop Grocery in Carbondale, several farmer's markets, and participating restaurants. The "Eat Local Challenge" runs from September 5th through September 19th and encourages southern Illinoisans to consume food grown and raised locally.