Friday, August 10, 2012

Happy National Farmers' Market Week

Happy National Farmers' Market Week! Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack has once again proclaimed the first full week of August to be National Farmers' Market Week!  This week, the Farmers' Market Coalition, a national organization that supports and advocates for farmers' markets, has given a theme to everyday of Farmers' Market week. Farmers' Markets are good for the community, for the environment and for farmers. Here are a the some highlights...
  • Community Education - Through innovative partnerships and programs, farmers' markets act as a hubs of information.
  • Public Health - Farmers' markets promote good nutrition and healthy habits.
  • Economic Engines - Farmers' markets are small business incubators, create jobs, and encourage local spending.
  • Putting the Farmer First - In a world where farmers get 15 cents for every food dollar spent, farmers markets are a place where farmers can make a fair wage for their work.
  • Food Equity - Farmers' markets help to improve access to healthy foods to under served populations.
  • Civic Engagement and Volunteerism - Farmers' market strengthen the social fabric of a community by fostering relationships, partnerships, and volunteerism.
  • Rural Renewal - Farmers' markets support agricultural diversity, farm viability, and inspire a new generation of farmers.
To read more about these topics, go to the Farmers' Market Coalition website!

So during Farmers' Market week, take a minute to thank your farmers and buy some of their products to help them to be able to continue farming. And if you have a second, don't forget to vote for your favorite farmers' market in the American Farmland Trust's annual America's Favorite Farmers' Market contest. At present, the Durham Farmers' Market is #19 in the large market category.  Thanks for all your votes!! 


TOMORROW AT MARKET
Bring your kids and join us for the first "Reading Hour at the Market"!   This is a new program where Market volunteers and farmers read farm related children's books to young and school age children. Once a month, there will be a selection of stories that will focus on a specific farm and food related topic, as well as pictures to color and a chance for children to ask questions. It's a great opportunity for your kids to learn more about where food comes from in a fun setting!

Reading Hour at the Market will be held this Saturday, from 10 to 11, on the Market's Central Lawn on the blankets under the blue tent. This week, we'll be reading The Chicken or the Egg. Stop by to learn which came first!
** If it is raining, or the lawn is too muddy, we'll postpone until next week**

If you have any questions about Reading Hour at the Market or are interested in volunteering with the program, please email info@durhamfarmersmarket.com.


Fresh this Week....
VEGETABLES: FRESH GINGER, BITTER GOURD, Amaranth Greens, Arugula, Beets, Beans (Green, Yellow, Roma, Filet, Longbeans), Butterbeans, Cherry Tomatoes, Corn, Collards, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Edamame, Field Peas, Fresh Herbs (Basil, Cilantro, Dill, Mint, Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme, Parsley),  Green Onions, Garlic, Gourds, Kale, Lambs Quarter, Lettuce, Peppers (Sweet, Hot, Yummy, and Padron), Potatoes, Okra (Red and Green), Onions (Red, Yellow, White), Pea Shoots, Purple Hull Peas, Salad Mix, Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potato Greens, Swiss Chard, Summer Squash, Tomatoes - Field Grown & Heirloom! Tomatillos, Turnips, Winter Squash - Butternut, Acorn, Delicata, Spaghetti and more, Zucchini
FRUITS:  FIGS, Apples, Pears, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Peaches, Blackberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, Ground Cherries
MEATS AND EGGS: Beef, Bison, Chicken, Cornish Game Hens, Duck, Goat/Chevon/Cabrito, Lamb, Pork,
Duck Eggs & Chicken Eggs
CHEESES: Fresh and aged cow and goats milk cheeses.
FLOWERS & PLANTS: Celosia, Gomphrena, Tuberrose, Lilies, Lisianthus,  Sunflowers, Zinnias,  Black-Eyed Susan, Strawflower, Mixed Bouquets, Vegetable & Herb Seedlings, Landscaping Plants, House Plants
SPECIALTY ITEMS: Raw Honey, Flour, Pecans, Cornmeal, Grits, Baked Goods including Pies, Pasta, Breads, Cookies, Pastries, Beer, Wine, Jams, Jellies, Pickles, Preserves, Wool
CRAFTS: Pottery, Jewelry, Stained Glass Art, Handmade Baskets,  Woodwork, Photographs, Hand-dyed Clothing and other items, Handmade Clothing, Soaps, Yarn, Roving, and much more...

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