Market News - September 9, 2008
We finally have the wireless transfer machine so that we can take EBT/debit/credit cards. We are using the token system. If you want to use your card you must come to the information (market) table and get your card swiped. We will give you tokens for the amount you wish in increments of $2.50. Except for EBT we will be charging a small fee to defray our costs. You use the tokens just like cash.
There will be NO tokens available on September 30th, so please plan ahead.
Last week I had an easel set up with a pad asking the question “Where do you live?” We haven’t done any kind of a survey for 4 or 5 years. The last time a survey was done it was done by UMASS, and it was more involved. Interestingly the results are similar. The largest percentage of our customers come from our neighborhood of Forest Park, and the next largest group comes from Longmeadow.
What really surprised me was the number of people that I spoke with who came from other places such as Palmer, Agawam, Westfield, etc. Our reputation as an excellent farmers’ market has spread throughout the region.
I hope that you take a look at the green crate each week to find recipes that might be new to you. I put one in a couple of weeks ago for an eggplant pasta sauce. It’s from an Italian cookbook that I’ve owned for years. Everything I’ve made from it has been delicious. I’d never made this eggplant recipe, but I did this weekend. It’s a keeper. You could make it now and put it in the freezer as there’s nothing in it that won’t freeze well. And—so many of the ingredients are in season now. Several people came up to me at the last two markets and told me that they’d made it and that it was delicious.
Here’s a comment from one of our market regulars, Susan Joel: “There is such positive energy at the market. Folks are friendly and warm; it feels like community.”
And that’s the truth.
Paul and Marie Vadnais (Cozy Eats) will return on the 30th after their sojourn at the Big E. They don’t sell olive oil and vinegar there as they said they’ve had too many $25 bottles of olive oil stolen from there in the past, so they sell something else.
We have had few problems with thievery at our market, but recently a jar of jam and one of the market carts were stolen. A farmers’ market is such a special place, where patrons can put a face to the people who do the work to bring them their food, that most people wouldn’t even think of stealing. But, there are always those who will take what doesn’t belong to them with no second thoughts.
Friends of the Farmers’ Market
Thanks to our newest “friends” Juanita Martinez and Frank Torre, J.D. Ayers, and Kathleen Stevens. We appreciate your support.
We have new “Friends” brochures that we hand out or that you can pick up at the market table. They’re yellow. Your contribution benefits the market directly—no middle men (or women.)
Stock up
We have 7 more weeks of the market after this week, so now is the time to start buying extra to have throughout the six months that we aren’t here.
Berkshire Mountain Bakery’s bread freezes beautifully. Defrost it on the counter and then put it in the oven to warm. You’d never know you hadn’t just bought it.
Look around the market and you will find many items that would make good gifts throughout the year.
Shop for a Cause
September 20th is the day that the Macy’s coupons will be used, so if you haven’t purchased one yet from the market manager, please do so. They’re $5, good at any Macy’s store, and you will get extra discounts plus there will be different activities throughout the store that day. The market keeps all of the money from the sale of the coupons.
North Quabbin Garlic & Arts Festival
Saturday and Sunday, September 20th and 21st from 10-5 you can enjoy the festival now in its 10th year. Artists, music, healing arts, chef demos, garlic cuisine, entertainment, regional agriculture, renewable energy. Held at Forsters Farm, 60 Chestnut Hill Road in Orange, MA. Get more information from www.garlicandarts.org or 978-544-9023. It’s a nice ride from here.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Depot for Springfield Residents
Here’s another way in which Springfield helps its residents do the right thing. On 3 Saturdays, September 13th, October 11th, and October 25th, from 8-12 you can bring household hazardous waste to Indian Orchard and leave it there. This is by appointment only so call 787-7840 to get an appointment and get the exact address.
Did you Know?
That Massachusetts is first in New England in direct sales from farmers to consumers and seventh in the U.S? We are first in the country for average direct sales per farm at $24,900. We are second in New England for honey production at over 167,000 pounds. Women owned farms are now at 21% up from 18% in 1997, and we are 13th nationwide in organic sales. Agriculture is big business in Massachusetts and you are helping with this success by your participation in this farmers’ market.
Today’s Recipe
French toast made with Berkshire Mountain Bakery’s bread. Ideally the bread you use will be a day or two old. Dip it in a mixture of eggs and milk or cream, make sure it has absorbed some of the mixture, and cook it gently in butter. Serve with jam, syrup, fruit sauce, cinnamon & Sugar or plain, your choice of course. Enjoy!
