Guest Post: How to Get Fresh Produce Without a Farmer’s Market

August 16, 2010 by Brenda
Filed under Featured Posts, Food & Drink, Green Living, Guest Posts

Many of us are lucky enough to live in areas that at least support a seasonal farmer’s market (and some of us can even get our produce from local growers year-round). But if you live in an urban area, the middle of nowhere, or a climate that includes winter, you may find your access to the fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs of the farmer’s market limited or non-existent. However, there are still plenty of ways to get the fresh, organic produce you crave without trekking to the next town.

Check local stores. While all local grocers offer produce, many ship it in from other states and it is neither fresh nor organic (although more and more stores are beginning to offer organic stock due to high demand). You may want to look for a Whole Foods (or comparable chain) in your area to get foods that are pesticide and hormone-free and in many cases, come from nearby sources.
Get it delivered. If you live in a city, you may not realize that local growers will deliver to you. Many urban areas are surrounded by co-ops of farms that will drive shipments into urban areas for those that subscribe to their service. Often you can select the items you want from their menu and set up regular deliveries online. Just do a search for your city and “local grower’s associations” to find out what is nearby and if they offer pick-ups or deliveries for individuals.
Grow your own. There’s no better way to get fresh fruits and vegetables than by planting your own garden. You can get everything you need for your summer salads and can the rest or make jam for the winter months. If you don’t have a yard, set up a container garden on your deck or in a sunny spot in your apartment.
Join a community garden. In lieu of local farms, many urban communities sponsor inner-city garden projects on vacant lots or dedicated land that allow residents to join in planting and tending the garden as well as enjoy the fruits of their labor (literally!). If you’re not sure how to find one near you, check out the American Community Gardening Association website to search member gardens in their database by zip code.
Start a farmer’s market. If you’re really gung-ho about gardening and want to share the wealth, consider starting up your own weekly farmer’s market (at least during the summer months when produce is plentiful). Market your own wares, solicit individual vendors through advertising, and approach nearby farms or other local growers to provide produce. You can even get artisans and entertainers if you want to expand to include craftspeople (who may provide homemade wares like soaps, candles, ceramics, and so-on). You’ll need to speak to the Chamber of Commerce to get the ball rolling, but they will likely be happy to support your community-enhancing endeavor. From there you’ll need to get approval from the City Council, secure a location, draw up a simple contract for vendors (decide if you want to deal with the added restriction and complications of adding prepared-food vendors), and place ads to let the community know you’re there.

Dana Livingston is a writer for a culinary institute website where you can browse schools and the latest trends in the culinary arena.

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