LEWISTON — The Good Food Council of Lewiston-­Auburn is encouraging residents to celebrate Food Day 2015 by eating only local food for one full day and participating in their social media awareness campaign.

Saturday, Oct. 24, is National Food Day, which is meant to inspire Americans to change their diets and our food policies. Every year, thousands of events all around the country bring Americans together to celebrate and enjoy real food and to push for improved food policies.

The Council is encouraging people choose a day prior to Oct. 24 to eat only locally produced food, with as few exotics as possible, during that one day. Then, take a picture of yourself with the food, post the picture to social media, and hash-­tag #FoodDay2015 #LAMaine and #GFCLA. Posting a recipe is also encouraged. For the effort, “local” is defined as grown, raised or caught within 100 miles from home. Exotics are defined as foods sourced from more than 100 miles from home. Council members will also be participating and sharing their own photos via their Facebook page and blog at w?ww.goodfood4la.org.?

The Council was formed in the summer of 2012 to create and support improvements to the food system of the Lewiston-­Auburn community. It educates the public and serves as a forum for discussing issues, fosters coordination between sectors in the food system, evaluates and influences policy and supports programs that meet local food needs.