News
2008
August 15, 2008 -
This Little Piggy
Do you remember the little piggy nursery rhyme?
This little piggy went to market
This little piggy stayed home
This little piggy had roast beef
This little piggy had none
And this little piggy went wee wee wee all the way home.
I thought of this rhyme the other day on my way to the farmers’ market. One of the (many) reasons I shop at our farmers’ market is to feed my children quality produce and help them connect to the people that nurture and harvest the food I put on the table.
Farmers’ markets, open-air markets, roadside stands…they are everywhere offering fabulously fresh fruits, vegetables and other goodies straight from the farm, orchard or the kitchen. I make it a priority to shop at our local farmers’ markets and I keep my eyes open around town for roadside stands. This summer my family has enjoyed lettuce, onions, maple syrup, homemade marmalade, herbs, strawberries and eggs. I frequently make big announcements during dinner: This lettuce is from our farmers’ market, or I bought these peas today at the farmers’ market.
There are so many ways to enjoy locally harvested produce, meats and dairy! Several byways are known for their delicious fresh fruits (think peaches from Crowley’s Ridge or cherries from Mt. Hood Scenic Byway’s “Fruit Loop”) and some byways have farmers’ markets or specialty foods they are known for. With all the talk in the media about the rising cost of food, outbreaks of salmonella, and how much fuel is used to transport produce and foods, it comforts to me that I know where my food came from. Tonight’s potatoes are from the farmers’ market, children.
I like local produce because I feel like I’m supporting friends. Plus, I’m putting fresh, wholesome foods on the dinner table. These peas are from the farmers’ market, children.
And this little piggy is off to market!
Sources:
- Track down farmers’ markets and roadside stands at www.localharvest.org
- Also, check out your State’s agriculture department or University Extension. Quite a few of them have resources for farmers to learn how to organize and promote a market.