Since moving to Ohio, I have been amazed at the lack of local foods sold in stores and even at the West Side Market. Being the Heartland of America, I thought that local produce would be in abundance, during summer at the very least! It only took me a few years, but I have finally gotten in touch with the local food community. Groups like Fresh Fork and City Fresh are bringing CSA to restaurants and consumers. We have not taken advantage of these yet, as our ever changing lifestyle makes cooking at home unpredictable at best. I am excited, this year, to be in the loop about the many farmer’s markets around town. July marks the opening of the Gordon Square Farmer’s Market (formerly the Ward 17 Farmer’s Market), and in just a couple of weeks is the opening of the Tremont Farmer’s Market. I just got this update via email:
The countdown is on! In a mere two weeks, vendors of all sorts will once again gather in Lincoln Park to display their wares of great, local food, local artwork, fantastic music and more. Put a post-it note on your brain: Tuesday, June 16 from 4:30-7:30 pm . New day and time, almost-new place, a great new season. (Don’t worry, I’ll send you another reminder).
American Farmland Trust has created a bit of friendly competition between markets to increase awareness and interest in farmers’ markets. I was curious, so I signed up TFM, just to see what would happen. So, check it out, and decide for yourself! I believe voting starts on June 1, and the results will be tallied during Farmers’ Market Week Aug 2-8, 2009 . www.farmland.org/vote
To read more about the contest: http://www.farmland.org/news/pressreleases/AmericasFavoriteFarmersMarket.aspIn addition, we’re working to update the market blogsite. Get up to date information and a preview of the season at www.tremontfarmersmarket.com
I would love to add Tremont businesses to the site, just make me aware of them, and I’ll add a link.I would also like to put in a plug for a new blogsite that endeavors to cover farming and food in our wonderful region. Bounty of the Western Reserve is published by Mary K. Holmes, local food advocate and Presidential Fellow at Case Western Reserve University where she teaches a SAGES seminar, “Food, Farming, and Economic Prosperity.”
www.bountyofthewesternreserve.comThat’s a lot of internet info to throw about, so let’s get grounded!
Dust off your sun hats and canvas bags. TFM is raring to go!
I am looking forward to delicious LOCAL produce this year. I may even learn to start canning. Know of a great local food source or farmer’s market? Send us the info and we would gladly mention it. We want everyone to get involved in making local food available and affordable.
Tags: buy local, farmers markets, food, Go Green
