12-23-2008

From a delicious 2008 to an exciting New Year

Wintertime Farmers Market: week 3The snowy trek to the Wintertime Farmers’ Market this past Saturday made the experience all the more holiday themed. That and the few extra ingredients, gifts and treats on our holiday shopping list added a mix of generosity and indulgence, both necessary during these tough times. We’re happy that the market can support new farmers like Pete of Moonstone Farm, who still had many leeks and carrots (pictured right) in the ground after his South County CSA ended. Luckily, the ground was warm enough to harvest and the Wintertime Market customers hungry for great veggies. He sold out. Thank you also to everyone who gave to our toy drive for the Pawtucket Community Development Corp and St. Teresa’s in Olneyville. You’ve made for a very happy holiday for dozens of local children.

At Farm Fresh, we are thankful this year for the incredible community that gathers every week in every season around good food. Thank you to the hard-working Rhode Island farmers and producers whose food nourishes us each and every day, and to the Rhode Island eaters, whose commitment make it possible to grow this good food. We are lucky to live in such a place. May your holidays be flavorful and filled with good food and good people!

See you at the market this Saturday 12/27: Bring family and friends from out of town and show off what RI tastes like; stock up for a New Year’s dinner; get potatoes and onions for latkes; and thank your farmers, bakers and cheesemakers for a delicious 2008.

Looking ahead to 2009, here’s a snapshot of what we’re up to so far:

  • Sat 1/3 – Farm-to-Chef “Taste Expo” at the Wintertime Farmers’ Market (12/20 and 12/27, too)
  • Sat 1/10 – First Market Mobile delivery
  • Fri 1/16 – NOFA-RI re-launch with lecture by Elizabeth Henderson, farmer and author
  • Fri 1/30 – Vendor applications for Hope High vendors due
  • Wed 2/4 – Local Food Forum
  • Sat 2/14 – Valentine’s Day at the Wintertime Market
  • Fri 4/3 – Vendor applications for all summer farmers’ markets due
  • Sat 4/25 – Last day of Wintertime Market
  • Sat 5/2 – First day of Hope High “Pre-Season” Market
  • Thu 6/4 – Armory Farmers’ Market opens
  • Fri 6/5 – Downtown Providence Farmers’ Market opens
  • Sat 6/6 – Hope High Farmers’ Market opens
  • Thu 6/11 – Armory Market Basket begins
  • Fri 6/12 – Downtown Market Basket begins
  • Tues 7/7 – Woonsocket Farmers’ Market opens
  • Sun 7/12 – Pawtucket Farmers’ Market opens
  • Tue 8/4 – Local Food Fest

Please make a gift today. Your year-end donation is tax-deductible and will support Rhode Island family farms and the community-building power of local food in 2009 and for generations to come.