Prompt:

knowing the kind of work I do in the local community, please suggest a calendar of events for 2025 that incorporates the things I love - arts, agriculture, and civic engagement. Include events that I would host/present/sponsor, as well as those that I would volunteer for. Feel free to push the envelope and be creative.

Result:

Here’s a proposed 2025 Calendar of Events that blends your passions for arts, agriculture, and civic engagement. It incorporates hosting, presenting, sponsoring, and volunteering opportunities.

January

• New Year Vision Workshop (Host/Present)

  • A creative goal-setting and vision-boarding session for the community. Incorporate mindfulness, journaling exercises, and art.

  • Partner with local artists and civic leaders for discussions on collective aspirations.

• Winter Nature Walk & Meditation (Host)

  • Launch your seasonal nature walks on your urban forest property. Focus on mindfulness and winter-inspired art installations.

February

• Love Your City: Community Mural Day (Sponsor/Volunteer)

  • Work with local artists and residents to create a mural highlighting Augusta’s history in arts and agriculture.

• Black History Month Agri-Arts Expo (Host)

  • Celebrate Black farmers, artists, and innovators. Include music, storytelling, food demonstrations, and panel discussions.

March

• Spring Into Gardening Festival (Host)

  • Teach gardening basics at your teaching garden. Include workshops for families and school groups.

• Community Jazz Night (Volunteer)

  • Support a live music night at a local venue. Encourage youth musicians to participate.

April

• Earth Month Agri-Tourism Day (Host/Present)

  • Invite visitors to explore the petting zoo, teaching garden, and local farms. Promote sustainable farming practices.

• First Fridays with The Cool Kidz (Sponsor/Volunteer)

  • Collaborate with downtown Augusta to make this a recurring event for youth and families.

May

• Arts in the Community Garden Festival (Host)

  • Transform the traditional Art in the Park into a vibrant showcase of art, gardening, and music in community gardens.

• Mindful Kids Workshop (Host)

  • A creative mindfulness event tailored to children ages 5-10. Use exercises from Guided Adventures.

June

• Summer Solstice Nature Walk & Picnic (Host)

  • Celebrate the solstice with an evening nature walk, live music, and local farm-to-table fare.

• Creative Entrepreneurship Bootcamp (Host)

  • A 2-day workshop for mid-life career changers looking to turn their passions into businesses.

July

• Farm-to-Fork Chef Challenge (Sponsor)

  • Partner with local chefs and farmers for a friendly cooking competition. Highlight Augusta’s food scene.

• Civic Engagement Through Art: Town Hall (Present/Volunteer)

  • Facilitate a town hall where artists and community leaders discuss civic engagement and cultural expression.

August

• National Farmers Market Week (Host)

  • Organize themed activities, spotlighting diverse farmers and products daily. Include recipe demos and seed bomb workshops.

September

• Arts in the Heart of Augusta (Sponsor/Volunteer)

  • Curate the Jazz/Blues stage and help with the festival’s 10th-anniversary promotions.

• Grandma Carrot Book Launch & Storytime (Host)

  • Debut your children’s book series with a live reading and themed activities for kids.

October

• Harvest Festival & Agri-Tourism Day (Host)

  • Highlight local farms, fall produce, and agritourism. Include family-friendly games, hayrides, and a pumpkin patch.

• Volunteer Day for Urban Farms (Volunteer)

  • Lead a community-wide effort to support local urban farms through planting and maintenance.

November

• Holiday Market at Canterbury Farms (Sponsor)

  • Showcase STOP Mobile Market and Honey Harvest Crunch granola. Partner with other local vendors.

• Gratitude Journaling & Art Workshop (Host)

  • Kick off the holiday season with a reflective journaling session, tying into your devotional journal.

December

• Holiday Caroling with Community Choirs (Sponsor/Volunteer)

  • Spread holiday cheer with local choirs in public spaces, schools, and eldercare facilities.

• Art & Wellness Retreat (Host)

  • A half-day retreat combining gentle exercises, art therapy, and guided mindfulness for a peaceful year-end.

As a small farm store owner, I love exploring new ways to use the produce I grow, and loofah is no exception! While many people are familiar with loofah as a sponge, when harvested young, it’s a versatile vegetable with a delicate, zucchini-like flavor. Not only can you cook the young loofah, but the leaves are also edible and packed with nutrients! Below, I’m sharing a few of my favorite ways to prepare both the young loofah and its leaves.

Cooking Young Loofah

Young loofah has a tender texture, making it a great addition to stir-fries, sautés, and soups. Here are two delicious and simple ways to enjoy it:

1. Sautéed Loofah with Garlic and Herbs

This quick and easy sauté is perfect for highlighting the natural flavors of young loofah, making it a great side dish or light meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 young loofahs, peeled and sliced

• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or thyme

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).

3. Add the sliced loofah and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender but still firm.

4. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs before serving.

5. Serve as a side or pair with rice for a light and refreshing meal.

2. Loofah Stir-Fry with Soy Sauce and Ginger

For a more savory dish, this stir-fry adds a touch of ginger and soy sauce, perfect for serving over rice or noodles.

Ingredients:

• 2 young loofahs, peeled and cut into thin strips

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 1 small piece of ginger, thinly sliced or grated

• 1 chili pepper (optional, for heat)

• A handful of sliced scallions

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over high heat.

2. Add ginger (and chili pepper if using) and stir-fry for about 30 seconds.

3. Toss in the loofah strips and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until softened.

4. Add soy sauce and sesame oil, tossing to coat the loofah.

5. Top with sliced scallions and serve hot over rice or noodles.

Cooking Loofah Leaves

Don’t toss those loofah leaves! They’re a great source of nutrients and can be prepared much like other leafy greens. Here are two simple ways to cook loofah leaves:

1. Stir-Fried Loofah Leaves with Garlic

This stir-fry is a quick and tasty way to prepare loofah leaves. The garlic adds flavor, while the leaves retain a bit of their natural earthiness.

Ingredients:

• A bunch of loofah leaves, washed and stems removed

• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• A splash of soy sauce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.

2. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.

3. Toss in the loofah leaves and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until they wilt down, similar to spinach.

4. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of soy sauce for extra flavor.

5. Serve as a side dish or mix into rice or noodles.

2. Loofah Leaf Soup

For a light and refreshing soup, loofah leaves pair well with a simple broth. This dish is perfect for a nourishing meal.

Ingredients:

• A bunch of loofah leaves, roughly chopped

• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 1 tomato, diced

• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

• A dash of fish sauce (optional)

• Chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a pot, heat a little oil and sauté the onion and garlic until softened.

2. Add the diced tomato and cook for 2-3 minutes until it breaks down.

3. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil.

4. Add the loofah leaves and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender.

5. Season with salt, pepper, and fish sauce (if using).

6. Garnish with green onions or cilantro and serve hot.

Loofah is an often overlooked but delicious and versatile vegetable. Whether you're looking for a new stir-fry ingredient or something fresh to add to soups, both the young loofah and its leaves offer a unique way to explore farm-fresh produce. Try these recipes next time you harvest loofah, and discover how this humble plant can transform your kitchen!

S.T.O.P Mobile Farmers Market - September 2024 Availability (Updated Weekly):

The Stop Food Truck - Theme TBA

Whole Produce: Watermelons, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Vidalia Onions, Peppers (Hot, Sweet), Mushrooms (Oyster, Lions Mane), Herbs

Honey: Raw Honey (Georgia Wildflower, Ginger, Cinnamon)

Meal Preps: Stir-Fry Mixes, Southern Caviar, Succotash

Value-Added Items: Elderberry Jelly, Pepper Relish, Fig Preserves, Vegetable Medley

Beverages: Herb-Infused Water, Watermelon Juice

PRE-ORDER HERE

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The Stop Food Truck

Sep 5, 12, 19, 26: 4:30-7p

The HUB (631 Chafee Ave, Augusta)

S.T.O.P. Mobile Farmers Market

September 21, 2024 : 11a-2p

Faith Walk, Evans GA

South Augusta Farmers Market

September 7, 14, 28; 11a-2p

4104 Windsor Spring Rd 30815

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NEWS:

https://theaugustapress.com/augustas-s-t-o-p-food-truck-is-launching-a-mobile-farmers-market/

https://augustagoodnews.com/mobile-farmers-market-rolls-out-july-19/

https://www.wrdw.com/video/2024/07/21/mobile-food-truck-providing-fresh-food-meals-2/

https://x.com/WRDW_WAGT/status/1815054173781610909

https://augustabusinessdaily.com/fresh-produce-and-more-rolls-into-the-csra-today/

https://augustaceo.com/news/2024/07/stop-food-truck-champions-sustainability-new-mobile-farmers-market/

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/t-o-p-mobile-farmers-125241207.html

https://theaugustapress.com/augustas-s-t-o-p-food-truck-is-launching-a-mobile-farmers-market/

https://www.wrdw.com/2024/07/21/stop-food-truck-launches-mobile-food-market-initiative/

https://www.wjbf.com/csra-news/s-t-o-p-mobile-farmers-market-providing-locally-fresh-produce-for-csra/#:~:text=The%20S.T.O.P.,available%20throughout%20the%20Augusta%20area.

My husband is the environmental science guy in our family. But a friend recently started working for National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), and I’m leearning how the federal government approaches BIPOC landowners. Interesting indeed. So, of course, I did a shallow dive and stuck a pin in this to come back to it later. -kg

————————

The environmental conservation industry involves numerous stakeholders and gatekeepers, each playing a significant role in shaping policies, allocating resources, and enforcing regulations. Here's a breakdown:

Gatekeepers in the Environmental Conservation Industry

1. Federal Agencies

   • USDA (United States Department of Agriculture): Oversees programs related to agriculture, forestry, and natural resources, including conservation efforts such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Farm Service Agency (FSA).

   • U.S. Forest Service: A division of the USDA, it manages national forests and grasslands, implementing policies for sustainable forest management and conservation.

   • EPA (Environmental Protection Agency): Regulates activities that impact the environment, such as pollution control, and enforces environmental laws.

2. State and Local Agencies

   • State departments of natural resources or environmental protection often have a significant say in land and resource conservation within their jurisdictions.

   • Conservation districts or boards at the county level help implement federal and state programs locally.

3. Private Organizations

   • Land Trusts and Conservation Nonprofits: Groups like The Nature Conservancy, Sierra Club, and local land trusts can influence conservation priorities and funding.

   • Foundations: Entities providing grants for conservation projects often act as gatekeepers by determining which initiatives receive financial support.

4. Academic and Research Institutions

   • Universities and think tanks provide data and recommendations that shape conservation policies and best practices.

5. Industry Stakeholders

   • Agricultural and Forestry Industries: Companies and trade associations may lobby to shape conservation policies that align with their business interests.

   • Developers and Landowners: Often resist conservation measures that could restrict land use or development potential.

Role of Lobbyists

• Influence Policy: Lobbyists, often representing industries, NGOs, or advocacy groups, work to shape conservation policy by lobbying Congress, federal agencies, and state governments.

• Funding Allocation: They can influence where conservation dollars go, such as funding for specific programs or grants.

• Regulatory Impact: Lobbyists may push for looser regulations or more stringent conservation rules, depending on their interests.

Impact on BIPOC Landowners

BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) landowners face systemic barriers in the environmental conservation sector:

1. Access to Resources

   • Historical exclusion from USDA programs, land grants, and conservation funding has left many BIPOC landowners without the same level of financial and technical support as white landowners.

   • Discriminatory practices, such as redlining and loan denial, have reduced land ownership and stewardship opportunities.

2. Generational Land Loss

   • Black and Indigenous communities, in particular, have faced systemic land dispossession due to legal loopholes (e.g., heirs' property laws) and predatory practices.

   • Limited access to legal assistance has made it difficult for these groups to retain their land.

3. Policy and Program Barriers

   • BIPOC landowners often face challenges navigating federal programs like those offered by the NRCS or FSA, which may have requirements that unintentionally disadvantage smaller or nontraditional farmers.

4. Environmental Justice Concerns

   • Many BIPOC communities are disproportionately impacted by environmental degradation, such as pollution or deforestation, with fewer resources to advocate for conservation or mitigation efforts.

5. Lack of Representation

   • BIPOC landowners and communities are underrepresented in decision-making bodies, which affects the prioritization of issues relevant to them.

Ways to Address These Challenges

• Equity in Funding: Increasing access to USDA and conservation grants for BIPOC landowners.

• Technical Assistance: Providing culturally relevant training and support to help navigate conservation programs.

• Legal Reforms: Addressing heirs' property laws and other legal structures that disadvantage BIPOC landowners.

• Community Advocacy: Amplifying the voices of BIPOC landowners in policy discussions through organizations like the Federation of Southern Cooperatives or Land Loss Prevention Project.

Understanding and dismantling these barriers is essential for equitable environmental conservation that includes and benefits all communities.

S.T.O.P Mobile Farmers Market

August 2024 Availability (Updated Weekly):

The Stop Food Truck - Theme TBA

Whole Produce: Watermelons, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Vidalia Onions, Peppers (Hot, Sweet), Mushrooms (Oyster, Lions Mane), Herbs

Honey: Raw Honey (Georgia Wildflower, Ginger, Cinnamon)

Meal Preps: Stir-Fry Mixes, Pico de Gallo, Southern Caviar

Value-Added Items: Pickled Beets, Hot Pepper Relish, Fig Preserves, Vegetable Medley

Beverages: Herb-Infused Water

PRE-ORDER HERE

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August 3,4-8p, The Stop Food Truck - A Taste of Italy

4103 Madeline Drive 30909

August 16, 11a-2p, The Stop Food Truck - TBA

735 James Brown Blvd 30901

August 16, 5-9p, The Stop Food Truck - TBA

4104 Windsor Spring Rd 30815

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NEWS:

https://theaugustapress.com/augustas-s-t-o-p-food-truck-is-launching-a-mobile-farmers-market/

https://augustagoodnews.com/mobile-farmers-market-rolls-out-july-19/

https://www.wrdw.com/video/2024/07/21/mobile-food-truck-providing-fresh-food-meals-2/

https://x.com/WRDW_WAGT/status/1815054173781610909

https://augustabusinessdaily.com/fresh-produce-and-more-rolls-into-the-csra-today/

https://augustaceo.com/news/2024/07/stop-food-truck-champions-sustainability-new-mobile-farmers-market/

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/t-o-p-mobile-farmers-125241207.html

https://theaugustapress.com/augustas-s-t-o-p-food-truck-is-launching-a-mobile-farmers-market/

https://www.wrdw.com/2024/07/21/stop-food-truck-launches-mobile-food-market-initiative/

https://www.wjbf.com/csra-news/s-t-o-p-mobile-farmers-market-providing-locally-fresh-produce-for-csra/#:~:text=The%20S.T.O.P.,available%20throughout%20the%20Augusta%20area.

S.T.O.P Mobile Farmers Market

Menu:

Whole Produce: Watermelons, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Vidalia Onions, Squash, Zucchini, Peppers (Hot, Sweet), Carrots, Mushrooms (Oyster, Lions Mane), Herbs

Honey: Raw Honey (Georgia Wildflower, Ginger, Cinnamon)

Meal Preps: Stir-Fry Mixes, Pico de Gallo, Southern Caviar, Root Veggie Mix

Value-Added Items: Pickled Beets, Hot Pepper Relish, Fig Preserves, Vegetable Medley

Beverages: Herb-Infused Water, Watermelon Juice, Horchata

The Stop Food Truck - A Taste of Mexico: Chipotle Chicken, Pork Carnita, Fish Taco, Shrimp Taco

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July 26, 2024,11a-2p “A Taste of Mexico”

Augusta GA Municipal Building 30901

July 20, 2024, 10a-2p “A Taste of Asia”

Canterbury Farms 30809

July 19, 2024, 5-9p “A Taste of Asia”

South Augusta Farmers Market 30815

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NEWS:

https://theaugustapress.com/augustas-s-t-o-p-food-truck-is-launching-a-mobile-farmers-market/

https://augustagoodnews.com/mobile-farmers-market-rolls-out-july-19/

https://www.wrdw.com/video/2024/07/21/mobile-food-truck-providing-fresh-food-meals-2/

https://x.com/WRDW_WAGT/status/1815054173781610909

https://augustabusinessdaily.com/fresh-produce-and-more-rolls-into-the-csra-today/

https://augustaceo.com/news/2024/07/stop-food-truck-champions-sustainability-new-mobile-farmers-market/

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/t-o-p-mobile-farmers-125241207.html

https://theaugustapress.com/augustas-s-t-o-p-food-truck-is-launching-a-mobile-farmers-market/

https://www.wrdw.com/2024/07/21/stop-food-truck-launches-mobile-food-market-initiative/

https://www.wjbf.com/csra-news/s-t-o-p-mobile-farmers-market-providing-locally-fresh-produce-for-csra/#:~:text=The%20S.T.O.P.,available%20throughout%20the%20Augusta%20area.

Is a CSA Right for You? Exploring the Pros and Cons of Community Supported Agriculture

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs have gained popularity as a way to enjoy fresh, local produce while directly supporting farmers. But is joining a CSA the right choice for you? Here are some pros and cons to help you decide.

🌱 Pros:

1. Farm-to-Table Freshness: CSAs offer produce that's often harvested just hours before it reaches your table. The fruits, vegetables, and herbs are at their peak ripeness, delivering exceptional flavor and nutrition.

2. Seasonal Variety: With a CSA, you get to enjoy the best of what’s in season. This encourages you to try new ingredients, explore different recipes, and eat with the rhythm of nature.

3. Support Local Farmers: By joining a CSA, you’re directly supporting local farmers. Your investment helps them plan for the season, manage risks, and sustain their farms.

🚫 Cons:

1. Limited Choice: CSAs typically provide a pre-selected box of produce based on what’s in season. While this can be exciting, it might not always align with your tastes or needs, especially if you’re a picky eater.

2. Seasonal Commitment: Many CSAs require a full-season commitment, which means you’re locked in even if your schedule or dietary needs change. If you travel often or have unpredictable plans, this could be a drawback.

3. Inconsistent Quantities: The bounty of your CSA box can vary week to week, depending on weather conditions and crop yields. Some weeks you might receive more than you can use, while other weeks may be leaner.

Considering a CSA? They’re a fantastic way to eat fresh, support your community, and reduce your carbon footprint. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons to ensure it aligns with your lifestyle and needs.

Call to Action: If you’re looking for fresh, local, seasonal fruits, vegetables, herbs, and even lightly prepped meals without the commitment of a CSA, follow the S.T.O.P. Mobile Farmers Market! We bring the farm to you with flexible options that fit your schedule and tastes.

Join us on our journey to eat fresh, support local, and enjoy the best of each season.

#FarmToTable #EatLocal #SupportFarmers

Augusta, GA, July 10, 2024 — This summer, THE STOP FOOD TRUCK, in partnership with Growing Augusta: Arts, Agriculture, & Agency, is thrilled to announce the launch of the "Sustainable, Tasty Outreach Project" (S.T.O.P.), an innovative mobile farmers market aimed at bringing fresh, local produce and prepared meals directly to the community. This new initiative will provide local farmers and producers with an exciting opportunity to expand their markets and increase their bottom line. 

The soft opening of the S.T.O.P. will feature a diverse selection of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, meal-prepped items like meat and veggie kebabs, and convenient meal starters. Patrons can continue to enjoy THE STOP FOOD TRUCK's renowned prepared foods while also purchasing seasonal produce and meats sourced from local farms.

The S.T.O.P. provides small farmers with a unique opportunity to wholesale directly to food trucks and small restaurants. This model not only helps farmers sell their produce more efficiently but also encourages gleaning, reducing food waste and increasing profitability. 

By participating in S.T.O.P., local farmers can reach a broader audience, including areas of the Augusta region that may not have easy access to fresh, locally-sourced food. This initiative aims to support the local agricultural community by creating new revenue streams and fostering stronger connections between producers and consumers. 

"The S.T.O.P. is more than just a place to buy food; it’s a way to build community and ensure everyone has access to nutritious meals. We want our residents to feel connected to their food sources and to each other. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to health and wellness." — C. Joy Brown, South Augusta Farmers Market

S.T.O.P. Mobile Farmers Market schedule:

July 19, 5-9p, 4104 Windsor Spring Rd, 30815

July 20, 10a-2p, Canterbury Farms, 30809

July 26, 11a-2p, 535 Telfair Street, 30901

August 3, 4103 Madeline Drive, 30907

Menu Info, Media Inquiries, Pre-Orders:

Carolyn Henry, (762) 221-1331, info@thestopfoodtruck.com

Incorporating creative elements into garden spaces can transform them into unique and personal havens. Here are seven ideas to infuse creativity into your garden:

Artistic Planters:

Use unconventional containers such as old teapots, boots, or barrels as planters. This adds a quirky and artistic touch to the garden.

Themed Garden Areas:

Design sections of your garden based on themes, like a fairy garden with miniature houses and figurines, or a Zen garden with raked sand and rocks.

Vertical Gardens:

Create vertical gardens using wall-mounted planters, hanging pots, or repurposed pallets. This not only saves space but also adds a striking visual element.

Garden Art and Sculptures:

Incorporate sculptures, wind chimes, mosaics, or metal art into your garden. These pieces can serve as focal points and enhance the garden's aesthetic.

Lighting:

Use solar-powered garden lights, string lights, or lanterns to illuminate pathways and highlight plants. Creative lighting adds ambiance and allows you to enjoy your garden at night.

Water Features:

Install a small pond, a cascading waterfall, or a birdbath. Water features introduce soothing sounds and attract wildlife, adding life and movement to the garden.

Colorful Pathways:

Create pathways using colorful tiles, painted stones, or mosaic designs. These paths can guide visitors through the garden while adding bursts of color and creativity.

These ideas can help you personalize your garden, making it a beautiful and inspiring outdoor space.

In the bustling heart of our urban landscape, the farm-to-table movement is transforming dining experiences, bringing the freshness and flavors of local agriculture directly to our plates. This innovative approach not only offers a feast for the senses but also fosters a deeper connection between consumers and the farmers who grow their food.

Farm-to-table dining is about more than just enjoying a delicious meal. It’s about understanding where our food comes from, appreciating the hard work of local farmers, and supporting sustainable practices that benefit both our health and the environment. By choosing farm-to-table, we are investing in our local economy, reducing our carbon footprint, and promoting biodiversity.

One of the most exciting aspects of this movement is the collaboration between chefs and farmers. Chefs visit local farms, handpick seasonal produce, and craft menus that highlight the freshest ingredients. This not only ensures peak flavor but also introduces diners to unique, locally-sourced products they might not find elsewhere.

Our community's farmers market plays a pivotal role in this dynamic relationship. By providing a direct link between farmers and consumers, the market fosters a sense of community and shared purpose. It’s a place where stories are exchanged, and trust is built, making every farm-to-table dining experience a celebration of local agriculture.

As we savor these culinary delights, let’s remember the journey our food has taken—from the rich, fertile soil of our local farms to the beautifully presented dishes on our tables. Farm-to-table dining is more than a trend; it’s a delicious, sustainable, and community-driven way to eat.

For more about how our farmers market connects local agriculture with culinary creativity, follow our weekly updates on social media and join us in supporting our local farmers!