THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHT
This week's spotlight shines on our Very Valued Customers, for without customers there would be no market. We would like you to know how much we appreciate your loyalty to our vendors. The vendors, who diligently work to bring the very highest quality products to market, depend on customers to purchase their wares. Your purchases at the market help provide an income for our vendors, and go a long way to add to the vibrancy of the local communities.
For each dollar you spend at the local Farmers' Market (or any other locally-owned business), about twice as much stays in the local community than when you purchase from a large, non-local store. According to an article in Times Business:
At the most basic level, when you buy local more money stays in the community. The New Economics Foundation, an independent economic think tank based in London, compared what happens when people buy produce at a supermarket vs. a local farmer's market or community supported agriculture (CSA) program and found that twice the money stayed in the community when folks bought locally. "That means those purchases are twice as efficient in terms of keeping the local economy alive," says author and NEF researcher David Boyle.In addition to supporting local producers and your local community, your purchases at the Farmers' Market directly impact your family in a positive way. As stated in Sustainable Table:
There are countless reasons why buying local food is both rewarding and delicious, including enjoying the taste of fresh food, improved health and nutrition, environmental stewardship, support for family farms and rural communities, and ensuring animal welfare. There is also significant peace of mind in knowing where our food comes from. One of the biggest benefits to buying food locally is having someone to answer questions about how it was grown and raised. Developing a relationship with local farmers gives us an "in" with our local food system. At farmers' markets we can get answers to questions like: When do tomatoes come into season? How might I use celeriac?Read more:http://www.sustainabletable.org/issues/whybuylocal/
As you can see, our Customers and our Vendors form a symbiotic relationship, one that is quite beneficial for both. You can't have one without the other. We look forward to seeing you at market each week, and we hope you will spread the word about the market to your neighbors and friends. If they would like to receive the weekly newsletter, they can subscribe by going to http://WWW.LEWFM.ORG, then click on Newsletter and on the left side of the page they will see the Subscribe option.
NOTICES
The Romans Family Farm will not be at market this week. They will be attending The Countryside Reunion, a three-day event centering around foodie events and other homesteading type activities. They will likely have loads of exciting things to share with us when they return to market the following week, July 13.
Passport Coffee will not be at market this week, as they will be traveling to a family reunion. They will return to market the following week, July 13.
Mohr Animal Acres and Grilling by Logan will not be at market this week. They will be at market July 13 and July 27, and every other week thereafter.
Unfortunately, Marian Decker, the vendor who brought Native Plants to the market has had to discontinue her participation at market. Other activities in her life are currently taking precedent. We wish her well and hope she might be able to return at some point.
The Romans Family Farm will not be at market this week. They will be attending The Countryside Reunion, a three-day event centering around foodie events and other homesteading type activities. They will likely have loads of exciting things to share with us when they return to market the following week, July 13.
Passport Coffee will not be at market this week, as they will be traveling to a family reunion. They will return to market the following week, July 13.
Mohr Animal Acres and Grilling by Logan will not be at market this week. They will be at market July 13 and July 27, and every other week thereafter.
Unfortunately, Marian Decker, the vendor who brought Native Plants to the market has had to discontinue her participation at market. Other activities in her life are currently taking precedent. We wish her well and hope she might be able to return at some point.
SEASONAL & CHANGING PRODUCTS/ITEMS
Well, the heat wave has certainly changed the face of the produce booths at market. While we temporarily mourn the loss of lettuce and other salad greens, we welcome with open arms the beginnings of tomatoes. They are in somewhat short supply at first, but are expected to come in plentifully within the next few weeks. You will also notice a variety of other produce to help round out your fresh food menu.
For those of you who have waited patiently for cabbage, we saw that beginning last week. Some favorite ways to use cabbage include: diced in small pieces and sauteed in olive oil (available at our market), along with some butter, then lightly salted and peppered: Simple, quick, and oh so yummy. With only a bit more work, the cabbage can be made into lacto fermented kraut (many sources of info online).
We again remind you that Mother Nature's harvest cannot be perfectly timed, so come to market ready to be pleasantly surprised to see what each of the vendors have gleaned from their labors in the fields. Also remember that all produce sold at our market is grown using no synthetic chemicals; which means, some fruits (stone fruits in particular), which are very difficult to grow without the use of chemical sprays, will not be available at our market. However, we do have berries, ground cherries, and various types of melons (when in season).
For a look at what is in season, visit CORV's Website.
For a full listing of our vendors, their products and services, including:
For those of you who have waited patiently for cabbage, we saw that beginning last week. Some favorite ways to use cabbage include: diced in small pieces and sauteed in olive oil (available at our market), along with some butter, then lightly salted and peppered: Simple, quick, and oh so yummy. With only a bit more work, the cabbage can be made into lacto fermented kraut (many sources of info online).
We again remind you that Mother Nature's harvest cannot be perfectly timed, so come to market ready to be pleasantly surprised to see what each of the vendors have gleaned from their labors in the fields. Also remember that all produce sold at our market is grown using no synthetic chemicals; which means, some fruits (stone fruits in particular), which are very difficult to grow without the use of chemical sprays, will not be available at our market. However, we do have berries, ground cherries, and various types of melons (when in season).
For a look at what is in season, visit CORV's Website.
For a full listing of our vendors, their products and services, including:
- Chair Massage, where you can relax after a hard day
- Kids & Krafts, where the kids can have loads of fun so you can leisurely shop the market
- Many food and non-food items
- and a list of vendors who accept credit cards
READY MADE FOODS
With our Outdoor Market, we have ready made food available now. Featuring two vendors alternating weekly, our meats and sandwiches are great for a treat while you shop or as a take-home dinner for your family! This week, our ready made food vendor will be:
THE FOOD BUS: Leslie, of Meadow Maid Cheese, will be preparing hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and grilled cheese sandwiches. He will likely also have creamy whip style ice cream.
REMINDER
To help keep your foods cold on these hot summer days, you can stop by the Market Management Booth to purchase an insulated market bag. The bags, which sell for $7.00, are made of high quality material, have a reinforced flat bottom, and a zippered top. In addition to using them at our market, they can be taken on picnics, to family pot lucks, and anywhere you want to keep cold food cold or hot food hot.
To help keep your foods cold on these hot summer days, you can stop by the Market Management Booth to purchase an insulated market bag. The bags, which sell for $7.00, are made of high quality material, have a reinforced flat bottom, and a zippered top. In addition to using them at our market, they can be taken on picnics, to family pot lucks, and anywhere you want to keep cold food cold or hot food hot.DID YOU KNOW?
Anyone looking to vend at our Market can also contact us with the link below.
Please share this newsletter with friends and family to help spread the word about LEWFM.
We hope to see you real soon at Lettuce Eat Well Farmers' Market!
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