Sustainable Connections spearheads the second annual Eat Local Month in Whatcom County in September, featuring more than 40 food-based businesses, farms and nonprofit organizations.

“September Eat Local Month is the time to come together and revel in good food, healthy water and land, and the vibrant “think local first” culture that makes Bellingham and Whatcom County so special,” said Laura Ridenour, Sustainable Connections’ food and farming manager, in a press release.

Major events include the fifth annual Whatcom County Farm Tour on Saturday, Sept. 8, and the Whatcom Harvest Dinner on Sunday, Sept. 23.

Additional events throughout the month include a chef competition put on by Ciao Thyme and Acme Farms & Kitchen, two “as local as possible” barbecues put on by the Community Food Co-op, cooking classes with nutritionists, fundraising dinners and food-focused movies and book readings.

New this year, Eat Local First Passports offers prizes for attending events and eating at Eat Local First featured restaurants.

Beginning Aug. 22, an eight-page Farm Tour and Eat Local Month Guide can be found at various local business and visitor centers. It can also be found online at www.eatlocalfirst.org.